In 2022, Japan ranked 80th for English proficiency out of 112 non-English speaking countries and regions, falling two places compared with the previous year, according to a Swiss study.
It’s easy to find media reports that Japan needs to improve its English skills for global business.
But is it really just English language capability that’s the issue?
Imagine a Japanese businesswoman has prepared her English presentation thoroughly. She’s written a script to be sure she covers all the important points. She’s created detailed slides.
But then, as she’s presenting to her global clients or colleagues, she’s thinking carefully about the words because she wants her English to be correct and sound sophisticated, and she relies on her text-heavy slides to be sure she doesn’t miss anything.
The more she focuses on being perfect, the more self-conscious she feels. It’s harder for her to make eye contact, her face becomes stiff, her fingers are fidgety, and her voice becomes quieter and shakier.
Her audience probably starts to question whether she knows what she’s talking about and it’s difficult to trust her as a business professional.
In today’s episode of the Sasuga! Podcast, I’m sharing my conversation with former global business leader turned entrepreneur and menopause expert, Miyako Hazama – in Japanese. You’ll hear
- The difference between “saying” and “conveying”
- The impact of nonverbal communication when you’re presenting or speaking in global meetings
- The shortcut to English communication that builds trust in global business
Enjoy!
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Mentioned in this episode
Menopause Energy Expert Miyako Hazama
If it’s important for you to be clear, confident, and convincing when you speak with clients and colleagues online, click here to discover all the ways this comprehensive, self-study course can help you.
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