7.02.2017

Conversational Analysis


Tools to analyze and ultimately improve conversation and communication generally have traditionally come in the form of suggestions or guidelines written in a textbook or a how-to-do-it trade book. But, recently, software programs such as Cogito have been developed. These programs are based on an extremely thorough analysis of all sorts of communication signals, especially nonverbal signals, for example, varied or consistent emphasis, mimicking or mirroring, and vocal-cord tension. They read these signals as you are speaking and they offer guidance (don’t vary your emphasis too much, you’re not mirroring the other person’s nonverbals, the person is getting agitated). The target audience for such tools is vast and is currently being tested with and in use with some health care providers and call-in centers.  Here are a few references that might prove helpful.
http://www.cogitocorp.com/
Bercovici, J. (2017, July/August). The machine that makes you human. Inc. 76-82.

Zarya, V. (2017, May). The future of collaboration. Fortune 175, 71-72.

6.03.2017

Here's a good example of the importance of using appropriate and inappropriate cultural identifiers.
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/06/03/bill-maher-hbo-host-slammed-for-use-n-word.html

FILE: HBO host Bill Maher has been criticized for using racial slur during interview.