Researchers have found that when people are engaged in an interesting conversation, their eyes remain focused on their partner's face about 80% of the time - but not exclusively on the eyes. Instead, they focus on the eyes for two to three minutes, then move down to the nose or lips, then back up to the eyes. Occasionally, they look down to the table momentarily, then back up to the eyes.

Avoid looking up and to the right - it's a universal symbol of boredom and dismissal.

Also remember the following key points with regards to eye contact:

• Demonstrate that you're interested and active in interacting with someone by maintaining regular intervals of eye contact, but remember that contant eye contact can be intimidating.

• Pupil dilation can indicate someone is interested; it could, alternatively, be that the room has become brighter.

• Wink sparingly, even in cultures you know accept such a gesture in jest.

• Avoid "crocodile tears" if you want to be considered trustworthy by your peers.