The Untold Power of the Eyes: When Words Meet the Soul

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. But I never fully understood the depth of that saying until 2009, when my husband and I joined a Queensland Government Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia.

Out of respect for local customs, I wore an abaya, covering my body and head in black cloth. For someone who had always relied on bright outfits and a carefully styled look to complement my presentations, this was daunting. In Riyadh and Jeddah - two of the most conservative places in the world - I was to address the Chambers of Commerce with only my words… and my eyes.

Stripped of Everything Except Expression

Standing in front of a room full of business leaders, I felt oddly vulnerable. I couldn’t rely on the splash of colour in my wardrobe or the visual presence I had always used to amplify my message. Everything about me was concealed - except for my eyes.

And then something remarkable happened.

As I spoke, I realised my audience wasn’t just hearing me - they were feeling me. They were leaning in, following every word, responding not only to my voice but to the emotion, conviction, and authenticity carried through my gaze.

For perhaps the first time in my career, I fully understood the true storytelling power of the eyes.

Why Our Eyes Matter More Than We Think

Words can persuade. Gestures can inspire. But the eyes… they connect.

Our eyes:

• Convey truth faster than words ever can

• Build trust and intimacy in an instant

• Reveal emotions we may not even speak aloud

• Anchor our presence in moments of silence

Whether in boardrooms, across dinner tables, or even in virtual meetings, the eyes communicate volumes before a single word is spoken.

Lessons for Leaders and Everyday Communicators

Since that experience, I’ve never underestimated the role of eye contact in communication. It can be the difference between delivering a message and truly connecting with your audience.

Here are a few simple ways to harness this power:

• Hold, don’t stare: Maintain eye contact long enough to connect, but naturally break to avoid intensity.

• Match your emotion: Let your eyes reflect the tone of your words - whether it’s warmth, conviction, or empathy.

• Use silence: Sometimes, pausing with steady eye contact speaks louder than a rushed explanation.

• Be present: People can always tell when your eyes wander. Presence is power.

Final Thought

In Saudi Arabia, behind black fabric and stripped of my usual confidence props, I discovered one of the greatest tools of human connection.

Our eyes are storytellers. They carry honesty, emotion, and authenticity in ways our words can’t always reach.

So, the next time you want to be heard, don’t just prepare your speech. Prepare your gaze. Because sometimes, it’s not your words people remember - it’s how you looked at them when you spoke.