One of the things I love most in the infographic below is the part that says avoid looking at your screen when pitching. Yes, this goes for pitching (selling) an idea or service. But it goes for just about any other situation, too.

When you look at your computer screen, you break eye contact with the most important people in the room, your audience.

And remember, humans tend to look where other humans look. So if you look at your computer, your audience will probably look at your computer, too. Except you’ll see a screen filled with lots of interesting charts and numbers, while your audience will see the logo on the back cover. “Oh, he’s got an Apple,” or “Oh, he’s got a Sony,” is that what you want your audience thinking about?

One more thing…

Have you ever been out to dinner with someone and then they whip out their phone and start playing with it? How does that make you feel? Do you want your audience to feel the same way?

So stop looking at your computer!