A few years ago, I was on my own walking through the streets and riding the subway trains of Tokyo even though I cannot talk and understand any Nihongo.
Okay, except probably for hai and kanpai.
Surely, having to interact with the locals (who mostly cannot speak and understand English) cannot be avoided.
So how did I survive?
After enjoying my leisurely walk along the narrow alleys of Kagurazaka (formerly a geisha quarter now lined with interesting shops selling kawaii toys, kitchen wares, stationaries, and traditional sweets) and soaking in its old-fashioned atmosphere, I suddenly felt very hungry that I stopped by a café overlooking a canal.
Okay, except probably for hai and kanpai.
Surely, having to interact with the locals (who mostly cannot speak and understand English) cannot be avoided.
So how did I survive?
After enjoying my leisurely walk along the narrow alleys of Kagurazaka (formerly a geisha quarter now lined with interesting shops selling kawaii toys, kitchen wares, stationaries, and traditional sweets) and soaking in its old-fashioned atmosphere, I suddenly felt very hungry that I stopped by a café overlooking a canal.
Ordering food was easy because I just had to point to the menu (Thank God the menu had English translation!).
I took my time eating and enjoyed the view of the canal, which at that time was covered with early winter mist and nestled with boats. I was the only crazy person eating outdoor and enjoying the chilly weather.
My problem started when I was not able to finish my meal.
I brought my food to the counter.
At that very moment, my acting career also began.
I took my time eating and enjoyed the view of the canal, which at that time was covered with early winter mist and nestled with boats. I was the only crazy person eating outdoor and enjoying the chilly weather.
My problem started when I was not able to finish my meal.
I brought my food to the counter.
At that very moment, my acting career also began.
Speaking in broken English (for some reason, I suddenly didn’t know how to speak proper English), I made exaggerated actions using my hands, body and facial expressions to let them know that I want them to pack the leftover food so I can bring it home.
They responded in Nihongo, took my tray and after a few minutes, my food was already packed and ready to be brought home!
Interestingly, I did the actions only once and they responded quickly.
There were neither blank stares nor meeting of eyebrows and scratching of head to indicate confusion on the part of the staff.
I guess my actions were clear enough to let them know what I really wanted to say. Guess what? It happened to me again the next day (this time with the Japanese police!) while walking along the Love Hotel Hill in Shibuya (but let's save that for another blog post!).
My point – do not underestimate the power of non-verbal communication.
Why? Because non-verbal cues – gestures, facial expressions, body movements –enhance the message that you would want to say through words.
When done appropriately and timely, non-verbal cues add clarity and emphasis to words that come out of your mouth. Non-verbal communication is equally important to verbal communication. We should not take it for granted.
The goal in any communication process is for the message to be clearly understood by both the sender and receiver of the message. As a speaker (the sender of message), your aim should not be to be adored and praised for your eloquence or knowledge or skill but to simply be well understood by the people listening to you.
And what would be one of the ways to do that? By being conscious and intentional when using non-verbal cues to complement your words.
They responded in Nihongo, took my tray and after a few minutes, my food was already packed and ready to be brought home!
Interestingly, I did the actions only once and they responded quickly.
There were neither blank stares nor meeting of eyebrows and scratching of head to indicate confusion on the part of the staff.
I guess my actions were clear enough to let them know what I really wanted to say. Guess what? It happened to me again the next day (this time with the Japanese police!) while walking along the Love Hotel Hill in Shibuya (but let's save that for another blog post!).
My point – do not underestimate the power of non-verbal communication.
Why? Because non-verbal cues – gestures, facial expressions, body movements –enhance the message that you would want to say through words.
When done appropriately and timely, non-verbal cues add clarity and emphasis to words that come out of your mouth. Non-verbal communication is equally important to verbal communication. We should not take it for granted.
The goal in any communication process is for the message to be clearly understood by both the sender and receiver of the message. As a speaker (the sender of message), your aim should not be to be adored and praised for your eloquence or knowledge or skill but to simply be well understood by the people listening to you.
And what would be one of the ways to do that? By being conscious and intentional when using non-verbal cues to complement your words.