Looking down when I'm thinking or talking...?

Question

This is a strange question. I have had people tell me that when I'm thinking or talking I have my head down. The deal is I'm not aware that I'm doing it when I do it.

I do tons of public speaking. It tends to occur only in one on one conversation (job interviews, dating, general conversation).

I might be shy or nervous at these moments.

How in the heck do I make myself aware that I'm doing this and how do I fix it?

By the way, I'm not depressed or a depressed person.

Answer 1

Maybe you can associate conversation with eye contact? Tell yourself to trigger eye contact when you engage in conversation? That might help you to remember that you aren't looking at them when you are talking. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

I think with my hand on the back of my head and the other in my pocket. Don't ask me why I don't need to explore the reasons. There are no reasons to it.

You may have trouble in one on one conversation because of eye contact. Some people find it hard to hold a glaze into someones eyes. They may feel as though they are staring.

Just take note of when you are looking down. Is it when they ask you a question? Is it when you are talking? Is it when you make eye contact?

The first two are probably just because you think with your head down and you think as you are conversing. If you break on eye contact then you are just uncomfortable with eye contact.

Its nothing but a quark of yours. Personality!

Answer 3

This is normal.
Someone put out a video of where people's eyes move when they are recalling something,or speaking of a future event,or wishful thinking.
Don't take what people say to heart. But if it really bothers you,maybe practice in front of a mirror,or if you have a camera phone with video capacity,record what you look like when you speak. Maybe some assist you with this.
I wish that I could find the link for the video,but try looking at YOU TUBE .com for body language,or nerolingusitic (NLP)
Hope that this helps.

Answer 4

Your question isn't strange at all.
Eye contact is the key to getting your point across. People tend to listen when they are connected with you via eye contact. They feel as if you're talking directly to them, which is true if you are speaking publicly, you're speaking to EVERYONE.
If you can, take a college level speech class. It helped me tremendously.

Answer 5

You may be too concerned with giving the correct response rather than a spontaneous one.

Sometimes, it is better to just respond unconditionally without regard for any perceived negative consequences which might result from your free form response.

Answer 6

I judge a person in a negative way when he/she does not look me in the eye when talking. It is not a strange question,
I am glad you feel its important enough to think about. When thinking, I say it is OK t look down, not when talking.

Answer 7

Tie two red fuzzy balls onto ur shoelaces. Everytime u look down, they'll remind you that u shouldn't be looking there, just as two big red balls on ur shoes don't belong there, lol! It works, but brings about a lil unwanted attention.

Answer 8

Those close to you will give you the heads up if you ask them to. Just ask for their help. I would admire someone who confided they were trying to improve a habit and would love to help. It can be a running joke. "Ted, you're doing it again".

Answer 9

Now that You are aware of it just look up when you know you are doing it.

Answer 10

When I see people do that, I think they are trying to figgure out a lie to say, and hope I am stupid enough to buy it.