Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It goes beyond just being a good communicator. Dr. Marc Brackett describes emotional intelligence as involving skills such as emotional awareness, the ability to harness emotions to facilitate various cognitive activities, and managing emotions to promote emotional and intellectual growth. It's about understanding emotional cues and using that understanding to navigate social networks and relationships effectively. This involves empathy, self-regulation, and emotional strength, which are crucial for personal and professional success.