Emotional Intelligence
When someone takes a deep breath and pauses before reacting to an insult, they are using this emotional intelligence skill.
Self-regulation
When a leader challenges the status quo and experiments with new ways of doing things, which leadership practice are they modeling?
Challenge the Process
What makes a speaker credible, and how does that impact persuasion?
Credibility (ethos) comes from knowledge, confidence, and honesty. If people trust you, they’re more likely to believe and be persuaded by what you say.
During a heated group project debate, you disagree with your teammate but sense they’re getting defensive. What two EI skills should you use to continue the conversation productively?
Self-Regulation, Social-Awareness
Your team loses a competition, and people start blaming each other. How can you apply leadership to help the group bounce back?
Stay positive, focus on what you learned, and remind the group of what went well and how to grow from it.
Name and define the three modes of persuasive speaking, and give an example of each.
Pathos, Logos, Ethos
You notice two classmates are in a conflict, and it’s affecting your group project. Neither of them is talking about it. What would you do to help the team move forward?
Check in with each of them privately to hear their side and then suggest a calm group conversation to refocus on the shared goal.”
What are The Five Exemplary Leadership Practices?
Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Enable others to Act, Encouraging the Heart, Challenge the Process
You’re in a debate, and your opponent makes a strong emotional appeal that gets the audience on their side. What would you do to regain your influence?
Acknowledge their point respectfully, then follow up with a compelling story or fact that supports my argument while appealing to both emotion and logic.
How does having a fixed vs. growth mindset affect your emotional response to failure?
A fixed mindset may lead to discouragement or giving up; a growth mindset helps you view failure as a chance to learn and improve.
Explain how emotional intelligence strengthens leadership effectiveness in group settings.
EI helps leaders manage emotions, build trust, listen actively, and adapt communication to support and guide their team effectively
Why might overusing logos (logic) weaken a persuasive speech, even if the argument is technically strong?
Audiences often connect more deeply with emotions and stories. A speech that relies only on logic can feel cold, making it harder for people to care or relate—even if they understand the facts.
What’s the difference between reacting and responding in a conflict
Reacting is impulsive and emotion-driven; responding is thoughtful and controlled. Responding shows emotional intelligence.
What’s the difference between being in charge and being a leader?
Being in charge means having authority; being a leader means inspiring others, earning respect, and creating collaboration.
A student gives a passionate speech with great content, but their body stays stiff and their hands never move. What message might this send—and how could they improve their delivery?
It may come across as nervous or robotic, making it harder for the audience to engage. They could improve by using open posture, expressive gestures, and movement that emphasizes key points.