The Invisible Power of Conversation

Are you tired of having conversations that leave you feeling frustrated, skeptical, like you’ve accomplished nothing or worse, you’ve taken 2 steps backward? 


Did you know that much of that outcome is actually in your control? 


If you understand and properly apply conversational intelligence principles and techniques, you can expect more positive, productive interactions and better relationships with loved ones and at work.


"Make each conversation your masterpiece"


  • Get to know the fascinating brain science behind how and why we behave in certain ways, and how to use it for better impact.


  • See clearly the types of ‘dances’ and dynamics that can lead to shut down in a conversation. Now you can expose it, break it down, and change it up.


  • Add some simple conversational tools to your kit to help turn those challenging conversations from adversarial, ‘me-focused’ spaces to trust-based, collaborative, ‘we-focused’ spaces

Webinar Summary

Introduction - The Importance of Conversations

Taste your words before you spit them out the saying goes. Because we all remember what it feels like when something happens in a conversation that shuts us down or makes us feel yucky. How much do we put into the interaction after that? Zero. We hold back or fight back. We stop sharing. We stop collaborating. And that’s where intimate and professional relationships, friendships, projects, work cultures start going downhill. 


Part 1: The Brain Science Behind Our Interactions  

There is a whole invisible world going on inside our brains and bodies, underneath the surface of what is said and done conversationally, that determines how we react, feel, and engage. A greater awareness of this is the first step to an empowered response.  


Part 2: Common Traps We Fall into While Conversing

So what do the most typical conversational pitfalls look like? Know thy enemy: by recognizing and giving them a name, you can begin to tackle them more effectively or unlearn them. 


Part 3: Proactive Tools for Creating Trust-based, ‘We-Centric’ Spaces

What can we personally do to positively influence a potentially difficult conversation or change a downward spiral, so that people are less in an emotional hijack, and feeling more engaged, trusting, forward-looking, and solutions-oriented? Some basic conversational tools can have a great impact.


Part 4: Q&A

I’m always excited to answer any questions and explore any ideas that you may have to share on the topic of having productive, powerful conversations.




Meet your Instructor!

  • Barbara Odenwald

    Leadership Coach and Instructor

    Barbara Odenwald

    As an expert consultant and coach in Organizational Communications and Conversational Intelligence, Barbara helps build the leadership and team ‘soft skills’ necessary for radical cultural transformation and organizational success. She has worked collaboratively with clients such as the Red Cross, Roche, the Vancouver Olympics Committee, Airbus, the RCMP and Ottawa Police Services, and many non-profits and agencies and departments of provincial and federal governments, to assess needs and to deliver successful strategies, customized tools, and sustainable results. Her passion and expertise in difficult conversations and the impact of nuance in human interaction help create trust-based, sustainable learning organizations. Barbara holds two degrees and certificates in her field from UBC and MIT and is a certified Conversational Intelligence coach. Her passion and expertise in innovation, change management, and problem-solving, help create sustainable learning organizations. Barbara holds two degrees and certificates in her field from UBC and MIT and is a Conversational Intelligence coach.

Testimonials

Christy N, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Christy N, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

“Barbara is very engaging, energetic, and knowledgeable. I enjoyed her workshop and was not eager for it to end. I will take away some valuable skills to use in my workplace”
Lyndee Wolf, Seneca College

Lyndee Wolf, Seneca College

“Thank you for giving such an inspirational talk last night. I appreciated hearing your clear message and call to action. You are an engaging speaker."
Raymonde Lemire, SmartNet Alliance

Raymonde Lemire, SmartNet Alliance

"Thank you again for speaking at our event - we found your presentation unique, useful, and interesting. There were certainly a lot of questions and that is a great sign of engagement!"

Something to Think About

Conversations are how we connect with everyone around us. They are the web through which we construct our daily lives. We must and can get better at them if we want better outcomes in all areas. How will you handle your next critical conversation? By the seat of your pants? Or intentionally, by trying the skills and tools that allow you to better steer it?

Call to Action

There has NEVER been a better time to learn how to communicate more effectively. Join Barbara Odenwald in this powerful webinar where she will show you the impact powerful conversations can have. Join the conversation on our Decision Making Culture for Effective Leaders, https://www.facebook.com/groups/TribeLC/

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