What impression does a lack of eye contact typically create for clients?

A lack of eye contact can create an impression of untrustworthiness for clients primarily because it may suggest discomfort, disinterest, or a lack of confidence. In a professional setting, establishing strong eye contact is essential for building rapport and trust. When a client notices that a professional is avoiding eye contact, they might feel that the individual is not fully engaged in the conversation or is withholding information, leading to doubts about the person's integrity or reliability. This human instinct to seek visual connection during communication heightens the significance of eye contact in establishing a trustworthy relationship between clients and professionals.