Go For A Ride

My mother and father were recently visiting me in Brazil for the first time. They've traveled all over the world but not much in South America except for a trip to the Galapagos Islands many years ago. It is always interesting to see people who are usually drivers take the back seat.  This was the case for my parents while they were in South America.  They followed our schedule; they mixed with our friends; ate at our favorite restaurants; and listened much more than they spoke.  when it comes to interpersonal communication, I know first hand that being stuck with a language can be frustrating.  But at the same time, it can be freeing.  By really sitting back and taking the time to observe, it makes speaking much more of luxury when it happens.  I remember when I was in Madagascar for five weeks back in 1990.  I spent most of the time with people speaking French and Malagasy.  I barely spoke each day.  By the time I was back in the city where I could speak English to folks, it was like a new-found ability.  I savored every word.  I said precisely what I needed to say and just that.  I was alert and sensitive to the conversation in a very different way than when I have the ability to throw words and ideas around.  It was a great learning experience and I am sure on some level my parents came to understand communication as a need. Makes me wonder where Maslow would put it in his hierarchy of needs?  To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week (a separate weekly message), please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com