INTERPERSONAL CHANGE RESOURCES
CONVERSATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Conversational Intelligence
Judith Glaser is a leading expert in the field of conversational intelligence and the author of several books on the topic.
She defines conversational intelligence as the ability to understand and use the power of language to build strong relationships and drive success.
According to Glaser, effective communication involves not only the words we use, but also the tone, context, and nonverbal cues we employ. She has developed a framework for improving conversational intelligence, which includes techniques for enhancing listening skills, building trust, and fostering a culture of openness and transparency. Glaser's work emphasizes the importance of effective communication in business and personal relationships, and she provides practical tips and tools for improving conversational intelligence.
According to Judith Glaser, some ways to improve conversational intelligence include:
Deeper Levels of Listening: She encourages “active listening” paying attention to what others are saying and showing that you are engaged by making eye contact, nodding, and asking questions. In Women Agents of Change capability building, we prefer to leverage Otto Scharmer’s 4 Levels of Listening (which include Active Listening approaches but also go deeper by focusing on the role of our egos in hindering truly effective listening).
Building Trust: Create a safe and open environment by being transparent, honest, and non-judgmental.
Empathy: Put yourself in others' shoes and understand their perspective. Having empathy is not about excusing others’ behaviors, but about trying to understand the origins of their perspectives and ways of being. It helps bridge between people with differing points of view by creating more generosity and compassion.
Reframing: Change the way you view a situation by looking at it from different angles.
Curiosity: Ask open-ended questions to encourage exploration and learning.
Flexibility: Be open to changing your mind and adapting to new perspectives.
Storytelling: Use storytelling to connect with others, build rapport, and communicate more effectively.
Self-Awareness: Reflect on your own behavior and reactions, and take responsibility for your impact on others.
These techniques can help you improve your conversational intelligence and build stronger, more effective relationships with others.