FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What does eye contact indicate in communication?

1. A lack of interest

2. A person's openness to communication

3. The speaker's discomfort

4. The need for a break in conversation

The correct answer is: A person's openness to communication

The correct answer indicates that eye contact is a powerful non-verbal cue in communication that generally signifies a person's openness to engaging with others. When individuals maintain eye contact during a conversation, it often reflects their attentiveness, interest, and willingness to listen and participate actively. This kind of eye contact can foster a sense of connection and trust between the speakers, making the interaction feel more genuine and engaging. In contrast, the other options suggest interpretations that do not align with the typical role of eye contact in communication. For instance, a lack of interest would generally be illustrated by avoidance of eye contact or looking away, rather than maintaining it. Similarly, discomfort in a speaker is typically characterized by fidgeting or breaking eye contact rather than maintaining it, and the need for a break in conversation usually doesn't involve sustained eye engagement; rather, it may involve shifting gaze or looking away to indicate a pause. Thus, option B correctly captures the essence of what eye contact communicates in a social context.