When I lived in Japan, I found it quite easy to say “no.” The conversations went something like this: Japanese Coworker: “Can you come out drinking with us tonight?” Me: “Actually…I…” That little hesitation accompanied by the Japanese “Chotto…” (“Actually, I…”) or perhaps “Kyo wa chotto youji ga…” (“Today I’ve got something else…”) was almost […]
Resources
How to Choose a Communication Role Model
In a previous post, we talked about why you need a communication role model. In this post, we will discuss how to choose and effectively learn from one. The best way to find a role model is to create a list of people who have the communication characteristics you want to have. Look at famous […]
Why You Need a Communication Role Model
If you know you need to improve a few communication habits, such as speaking more intentionally or using fewer “ums” in your speech, one of the best things you can do (aside from hiring a personal coach) is to learn from a few role models. Role models can help you achieve your personal communication development […]
Where to Sit in a Meeting
Where does the customer sit? We get this question from our Japanese clients a lot. In Japan, where you sit in a meeting or negotiation matters. The customer sits in the place of respect: the seat furthest from the door. In the US this matters less…or does it? We have found that where you sit […]
Make Your Nerves Work for You
You stand up in front of a group of people to speak and your voice trembles, your mouth becomes unbelievably dry, your armpits seem to have more sweat than you ever imagined possible, and your hand, which you entrusted with your notes, begins to shake uncontrollably. Congratulations, you are human! These physical reactions to your […]