Immaculate English is not a pre-requisite, but mastery of Rule e in Jo-Lang 101 is most preferred. In this second part, you will learn the art of speaking. The rule is simple – to speak with tact, preferably neutrally, but if the situation calls for one to speak ‘in between the lines’, one must make use of the appropriate tone in expressing sarcasm (so that nobody has to drive themselves bananas trying to decipher whether it was meant to be sarcastic or not) and of course, making sure that one’s defense mechanism is deactivated.
Let me illustrate with the following 4 Case Studies.
Case Study 1
Choose one of the following:
(a) What are your plans now?
(b) Have you found a job yet?
Currently, I’m taking a break from work. Do not ask me “Have you found a job yet?” because I’ll probably have a hard time convincing myself I don’t really want to punch you in the face. Ask me ”So, what are your plans now?” or “What kind of jobs do you have in mind?” and you’ll probably have to beg me to stop sharing my life plans with you.
Case Study 2
What would you have asked?
(a) Can I help you?
(b) What you want?
When I sought your help, that’s because I really needed your help, so don’t ask me “What you want?” because I’m definitely going to roll my eyes at you. Of course, 2 seconds later, I’ll be muttering under my breadth that I want help and also wondering why you can’t simply ask me “Can I help you?” coz seriously, if I didn’t need your help, I wouldn’t even approach you...duh!
Case Study 3
Which of the following sounds more familiar?
(a) How nice of you to drop by. How’s it going?
(b) What are you doing here?
You see, I really missed you and so, I wanted so badly to visit. But instead of telling me how much you miss me when you do actually see me, you asked me “What are you doing here?” Oops, how was I supposed to know I was unwelcome, and of course, I would make a mental note not to visit anymore. Sigh!
Case Study 4
Your problem, my problem or everybody’s problem?
You always ask “What’s your problem?” Erm, sorry...I don’t think I have a problem, but there is a problem (obviously). Why can’t comments be innocently just, well, comments, and not because “ you have a problem with that?” Sheesh! What’s the problem (oops, no pun intended) with the world?
This basically sums up briefly the art of speaking, Jo-style. Hmmm, on second thoughts, maybe immaculate English is necessary afterall. *LOL*
1 comment:
Darling... ;)
1. this just proves that yr love language is 'words of encouragement'.
2. it's not abt immaculate English. It's about heart language. Let me put this to u - if i had said 'ah!!! (jump jump jump estatically) what are u doing here!?!' (jump some more with face beaming and soaked in joy) wouldn't it be lovelier than 'it's nice to see u here'?
I'll definitely prefer 'what are u doing here?'. Words in this scenario play a smaller role than the actions.
Pris.
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