Privet! OneLivers 😉
Previously we have talked about how to say “NO” to unreasonable request from the others.
What about people who are not making request, but also not trying to communicate?
Last week I went to a cafe and mingled with others there and make new friends. One Japanese guy, who was around 50, was very talkative. By “talkative” I mean he really talked a lot, but not listened to the others.
He just kept talking about his new motorcycle and how he got the license the day before. Whenever someone was trying to change the topic, he always managed to bring it back to talk about himself or his bike, and he basically didn’t respond to others’ sharing.
It is not about the language, because he spoke remarkable English. In general, he was funny and friendly. He just liked to share his story.
Have you met someone like that in your life? Or are you like that sometimes?
How about in video call? Have you met someone that ignores your attempt to communicate and keeps doing/saying his own thing? What should you do in that case?
1. Understand his intention
If the person just wants to do his own thing, why does he pay money to video call you? Think about the guy in the cafe. What do they want in common?
They want audience. Audience that has a face and show reaction.
That’s you. You are not only a performer. When facing viewers like this, you can suddenly become an audience as well.
So the first thing to do, after smiling and greeting and asking “Can you see me?”, is to keep yourself in front of the camera.
2. Try to make communication
Yes, just like every other video call. You try to make communication. However, since now you have understood his intention, you can adjust the way of communication.
Remember, he wants an audience that shows reaction, so tell him how you feel.
“That’s great/awesome!”
“I like it.”
“Do you have more?”
3. Acting
If you can’t think of anything to say, use your facial expression.
When you are saying “I like it”, make sure you are smiling. Use the muscles around your mouth, your eyes, and on your cheeks.
If you are holding your phone on one hand, use your other hand as well. For example, spread your fingers and put your hand over your mouth to act surprised, touch your clavicle to show you are focus, or gently touch and comb your hair while smiling to show you are enjoying.
