> It certainly seems to help know they are listening, but it is worrying to have tension just because someone doesn't want to make eye contact. It really helps

> It certainly seems to help know they are listening, but it is worrying to have tension just because someone doesn't want to make eye contact. It really helps communication for many people. People with limited hearing rely on some level of lip reading, in addition to just following body language. Also, if you are maintaining eye contact, you are generally pointing your face at the other person, and that REALLY helps your voice get to their ears. I have a friend who talks to the ground and I have to consistently ask her to repeat herself.