The interpersonal intelligence is a concept derived from the development of Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. It is a type of intelligence that, together with the others, enables us to adapt to the environment and to the interactions with others in an optimal way.

Specifically, interpersonal intelligence is that which explains the degree to which we are able to make a rough estimate of the mental and emotional states of others. Thus, someone with a good interpersonal intelligence is able to grasp the intentions of others, their feelings (which they can more or less externalize), know what information others lack… and, as a consequence, will interact well with these people, adapting to them and even predicting certain aspects of them.

Seeing beyond words

It should be said that this ability is not only limited to the way of interpreting the words said by others, but extends also to the ability to read facial expressions, movements and even behavioural patterns . Therefore, it does not depend only on the information the other person gives us about him or herself.

Beyond the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, interpersonal intelligence can be related to concepts such as social skills or emotional intelligence (in its social aspect, since intrapersonal intelligence can also be included in this idea).

In short, this type of intelligence is related to our way of adjusting to the minds and actions of others and to the way we interact with the people who define us.

What are people with good interpersonal intelligence like?

From the above, you may already be thinking about trades and professions that are characterized by exploiting this type of skill . Professionally, these persons are usually those who offer a part of their added value that is related to their ability to solve diplomatic tasks or those related to face-to-face contact with many people.

Examples of these profiles are commercials, lawyers, teachers, public speakers and, of course, psychologists .

Interpersonal Intelligence in Modern Times

The truth is that, in the information age, interpersonal intelligence has become very important both in our personal lives (where we relate to a much larger number of people than was normal a century ago) and in the professional arena, where diplomacy with different types of agents is almost inevitable.

That’s why it’s worth putting some effort into trying to improve it. Below you can read some keys to tackle this task .

Tips for Improving Interpersonal Intelligence

1. Ask yourself what you know that others don’t know

In your interaction with others, you may make references to facts or things that others do not know. Taking for granted that other people have the same information as you do can make the conversation less fluid or even have some somewhat uncomfortable moments .

2. Gives more credibility to gestures than words

People can lie with words, but it’s much harder to lie with your body. That is why gestures of the face, posture and movements of the head or arms give us information that, on those occasions when it is unambiguous, is more reliable than the content of the speech.

3. Think about how they see you

To better interpret what the people around you are doing, it is a good idea to think first about how they might be interpreting what you are doing . Make an effort to keep in mind that what other people do depends largely on how they perceive you.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask

Certain relevant aspects are well worth asking. When you notice that there is something that stands between you and others in your communication, value the possibility of asking directly what it is about . However, it is also good for you to consider which possible topics are not good to be attacked head on in your conversation, as some questions may put others in a violent situation or may hurt someone’s sensitivity by being exposed completely.