One of the best ways to increase tolerance when communicating with those from other cultures is to practice empathy, which refers to

Empathy is the ability to understand the emotional life of another person, almost in all its complexity. This does not mean that we share the same opinions and arguments that justify the state of the reaction expressed by the other person. It does not even mean being in touch with the way of interpreting situations with the emotional burden of the interlocutor.

Empathy is related to other things to active listening, understanding and emotional support. In addition, empathy implies having the capacity to differentiate between the affective states of others and the ability to take a perspective, both cognitive and affective, with respect to the person who expresses his emotional state.

each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.’s great “i have a dream” speech. it’s electrifying every single time.

the content of dr. king’s speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic “i have a dream” speech the defining moment of the american civil rights movement. but there are several other reasons why this speech, delivered over 50 years ago, remains an example of one of the best speeches in american history.

since part of my job is to people become better presenters, i’ve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.

it’s anchored in a powerful related location

in most cases, you can’t handpick the spot to give a presentation, as mlk did for supreme symbolic effect when he stood on the steps of the lincoln memorial and echoed the opening words of the gettysburg address (“five score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.