IN PERSON: How does emotional intelligence relate to the way we communicate? Why do we so often misunderstand one another? Participants in this course will gain an appreciation for the distinct styles of communication and variables that may cause misunderstandings. Students will come away with knowledge of how sensory preferences affect communication as well as their own sensory preference style and communication style. We will consider how humor, empathy, apology, active listening, body language and generational differences impact communication. Students will consider what their own happiness set point is, and whether it can be changed. Then we will explore ways to do this using demonstrated techniques and opportunities to practice. In this highly interactive class, students should be prepared to think creatively about ways to raise their happiness set point. Our goal is to have happier conversations and to spread that happiness to our family members and friends. | Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 16.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
Alita Bluford is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University. She is an adult learning specialist and conducts training on communication and emotional intelligence for small- to medium-size businesses in the Triangle area. She has taught several popular courses on communication and emotional intelligence for OLLI at Duke and OLLI at NC State University.