Emotionless stare of the psychopath
Their predatory gaze zooms in on potential prey.
On the other hand, when they are manipulating someone, those with antisocial traits are known for their intense “predatory gaze” when they fixate on a specific victim. This can be an almost reptilian gaze that is described as “dead” and “dark” or even seductive if the psychopath is attempting to lure someone in sexually. As Robert Hare (1993) writes in Without Conscience:
“Many people find it difficult to deal with intense, emotionless, or “predatory” stare of the psychopath. Normal people maintain close eye contact with others for a variety of reasons, but the fixated stare of the psychopath is more of a prelude to self-gratification and the exercise of power than simple interest or empathic caring…Some people respond to the emotionless stare of the psychopath, with considerable discomfort, almost as if they feel like potential prey in the presence of a predator.”