The eye shuttle .....................................................................................
When you observe someone flicking her eyes back and forth, you can bet
that she’s subconsciously looking for an escape route. Notice that although
her head remains still her eyes move rapidly from side to side. The action
allows the person to take in everything that’s going on around her and see
where she can reposition herself without obviously giving the game away.Dwight was at a business event where he saw Frank, a man he had met once
before and whom he believed may be a potential client, or at least a valuable
contact. Focusing on his own agenda Dwight made a beeline for Frank who was
already engaged in conversation with two colleagues. Dwight re-introduced
himself and without being invited, joined in the discussion. What he failed to
notice were Frank’s eyes shuttling back and forth in search of the nearest exit.
Although Frank wasn’t interested in speaking with Dwight he was a polite guy
and didn’t want to embarrass Dwight. While he smiled as Dwight regaled the
group with stories and remained where he was standing, his eyes didn’t con-
nect with Dwight’s as they scanned the room. Frank soon spotted another
colleague and disengaged himself from the group, leaving his colleagues to
deal with Dwight. Dwight never did do business with Frank, or his friends.The sideways glance ............................................................................
The sideways glance carries several meanings depending on how it’s given. It
demonstrates interest, uncertainty, or hostility.When you look at someone out of the corner of your eye and add a slight
smile and raise your eyebrows, as shown in Figure 5-2, it would be fair
enough for the receiver to think that you’re interested in her.If someone catches your attention and you want to let her know that you
think she’s quite cute, look at her out of the corner of your eye and slightly
raise your eyebrows. This gesture is mostly used by women and communi-
cates interest.If you’ve ever spoken to someone who avoids looking at you while shooting
glances out of the corner of her eye, she may well not be very interested in
you or what you’re saying (see Figure 5-3). It may be time for you to change
tack in your conversation, or move on.People tend to look towards things that interest them, and look away from
things that don’t. Imagine that you’re at a party. Your partner has gone to talk
to friends, leaving you with the singularly unpleasant host. Try as you may,
unless you’re very polite and self-disciplined, your eyes stray in the direction
of people or places you find more appealing. The brevity of your glances
towards your host signals your lack of interest in her.84 Part II: Starting at the Top