Writing 101: Eyes, Eye Contact



There, I made your day already, right? ;D

I have this thing for eyes. (Thing, really, Cordy? You're supposed to be a writer, giving advice even, and the best thing you can say is 'thing'. Well, this is going well.) *sigh* Okay, because of this obsession of mine, one of the first things I notice about a person will be their eyes. And I'm not talkin' eye color. In fact, I couldn't tell you the eye color of some of my friends and family. The color is rarely what I'm noticing.

Eyes are fascinating because they are, truly, the window into your soul. Your eyes will say 5,000 things before you can say a single word. Eyes will betray both your humor as well as your pain. One of the hardest parts of your body to control is your eyes and eye contact leaves you open and vulnerable.

Personally, I will not look you in the eye while I'm talking and that's for two reasons. One, if I'm looking you in the eye, I can't keep my train of thought because I'm assessing yours. I have a hard time listening to people when they talk and remembering stories they told me because if I was watching them, I will remember their emotions, not the story details. Two, I don't want you reading my eyes. That's the simple truth. In fact, most in-person conversations that take place between me and someone else will happen with little to no eye contact on my part.

Now, with those bits of information, I just want to sum up the moral of the post. Have eye contact in your stories. Instead of adding another bit of dialogue, think of what could be told in eye contact. What could be explained in that moment of studying silence? Find the vulnerability and reveal the fear and truth in your character by forcing them to make and keep eye contact. Sooo, just a random little something for you to keep in mind while you're weaving your tales.

Now, *claps hands together* for the dessert of the post...

I have a few examples of this principle for you.

Kit and Cinderella:

This scene is a marvelous example! Thank. You. Disney!
Kit and Cinderella have just met on the dance floor. After exchanged greetings, of sorts, they are just staring at one another. Kit begins to ask for a dance and is left speechless looking at the beauty before him. He fumbles but literally can't keep his eyes off her and therefore can't focus on his own request. (And who can blame him? Happiness is radiating off her like light from a mirror!) What's so excellent in the scene, besides the stuttering, is he's not looking at the stunning dress he's completely captivated by her eyes. It is a beautiful moment! Love!!

Another small example comes from another Disney film. (Would Cordy have a blog without Disney? Hmm.) Anyway, a small detail from Beauty and the Beast. After the Beast's transformation into Adam, Belle only recognizes him because of his eyes.

And lastly, Darcy first starts to admire Elizabeth because of her fine eyes. (And he notices when they are brightened by exercise.)

Cheerio!
Cordy