5 Subtle ways eye contact can improve your communication—with people and machines

Eye contact and gaze patterns can improve how others - humans as well as robots- respond to you. Study reveals simple gaze habits to improve communications (Image: Pexels)

Eye contact can feel awkward, but it turns out, it’s a powerful tool. New research reveals that how and when you use your gaze changes the way others respond, including robots. Whether you're at work, on a call, or talking to AI, learning a few simple gaze habits can help your message land better, and make you feel more connected. Here’s what the study says:

“Where words are restrained, the eyes often talk a great deal,” wrote Samuel Richardson, and science is catching up. Eye contact has long been seen as an important part of non-verbal communication, shaping how you express intent, emotion and attention. But new research suggests your gaze is far more nuanced than previously understood.

The flicker of a look, its timing, and even its repetition can help guide someone’s understanding, whether you’re asking for help or simply directing attention. And surprisingly, the brain responds similarly, whether that gaze comes from a human, or a robot.

According to a study from Flinders University, researchers observed 137 participants working on a virtual block-building task. They found that the most effective gaze cue followed a specific pattern: look at an object, make eye contact, then return to the object. This sequence made people most likely to interpret the look as a clear call for help. “It’s the context, not just frequency, that makes a gaze communicative,” explains lead researcher Dr Nathan Caruana. Notably, people responded the same way to robots as they did to humans, pointing to how deeply our social brains are wired for gaze.

A simple gaze pattern, look at an object, meet someone’s eyes, then return to the object, signals you need help. This small action, tested in a study with virtual partners, made people far more likely to respond. It’s a non-verbal cue that works just as well with robots as it does with people. It’s effective, natural, and bridges communication with minimal effort.

Additionally, in busy environments like kitchens, classrooms, or noisy events, it’s hard to hear clearly. Using clear gaze signals helps get your message across without speaking. Your eyes can say, “Pass me that” or “Look here” more effectively than shouting or repeating. It saves time and avoids miscommunication, especially when verbal instructions are drowned out by background noise.

One fascinating finding? People responded the same way whether the gaze came from a human or a robot. When machines use familiar gaze patterns, like looking back and forth, they feel more natural to interact with. It’s a small design tweak with a big impact on how trustworthy tech feels. It shows that non-verbal signals transcend species, or software.

People who rely more on visual cues, like those with hearing loss or autism, benefit from clear gaze patterns. A steady, well-timed look helps reduce confusion and makes them feel understood. It’s a way to communicate that’s gentle, inclusive, and doesn’t rely on spoken words. Sometimes, it’s the eyes that offer the clearest message.

Whether you’re in sport, healthcare, or a high-stakes job, precise eye movements can help teams stay connected under pressure. A quick look can show focus, confirm readiness, or signal a move, without saying anything. In fast-paced moments, your gaze can speak louder than your voice. It’s a tool teams already use, now we just understand it better.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.