Mind–body connections during intercultural conversations

ABSTRACT This experiential activity invites students to investigate the mental, affective, and behavioral effects of personal investment and authenticity during intercultural conversation. We invite students to create intercultural interactions through engaging in un/familiar conversational subject matter to simulate the sensations of navigating cultural unfamiliarity. In our test runs of this activity, we explored how common ground is generated and extended when a participant navigates unfamiliar conversational terrain. We share student discoveries about their perceived affordances and connect their experiences to Cultural Intelligence (CQ) development. These results may inform future learning activities to develop intercultural competence through embodied attunement. Courses Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation, Leadership and Ethics, Civil Discourse, Nonverbal Communication. Objectives Through this assignment, students will (1) investigate mental, affective, and behavioral adaptive effects during intercultural conversations; (2) articulate embodied responses and practice navigating discomfort in un/familiar terrain; (3) identify aspects that generate and extend common ground or create disengagement in intercultural conversations; (4) explore adjusting conversational rhythms to improve topical understanding; and (5) practice approaches that allow partners to engage more fully.