Final answer:
Eye contact is a vital aspect of public speaking that helps in building a connection with the audience and depicting confidence, though it can be challenging to maintain. Practicing nonverbal cues, like facial expressions and gestures, helps control their impact without causing distraction. Cultural differences in the interpretation of eye contact must also be considered to ensure effective communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
I do agree with the author that eye contact is challenging but essential in public speaking. Eye contact plays a significant role in establishing a connection with the audience, conveying confidence, and maintaining attention during a speech. While it may be difficult to master, beginning a speech with direct eye contact helps to set the tone for effective communication. Moreover, memorizing opening and closing statements can free you from script reliance, thereby enhancing eye contact and strengthening your engagement.
It is also important to balance the use of nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and gestures. They should be used purposefully and not excessively to prevent distraction from the speech's content. Practicing in front of a mirror can aid in controlling and planning the use of these verbal cues to improve speaking abilities. However, it is worth noting that maintaining eye contact should not verge into staring, which can be uncomfortable and counterproductive.
Furthermore, cultural awareness regarding eye contact is also critical. According to Pazain (2010), eye contact has different implications in different cultures, which can impact the perception of the speaker. In any case, being mindful of the audience's nonverbal feedback can provide valuable insights into their engagement level and how well the speech is being received.