My Journey of Self-Discovery

Six years ago, I attended an intensive master's program in Massachusetts. Although I had to balance remote work with my studies, the opportunity to engage with local entrepreneurs was invaluable.

Despite the program's brevity, it was a unique chance for me to study abroad, as I was working in Tokyo with most of my coursework online.

During our group project, I was paired with five younger female classmates: two Americans, a Chinese student, an Indian, and myself, the only Japanese member. Their lack of engagement and minimal contributions left me feeling overwhelmed, as I ended up creating most of the presentation slides.

To my surprise, when the other girls presented, they excelled at public speaking. When it was my turn to summarize, I could only speak briefly, despite my significant input.

Afterwards, one team member suggested I should communicate in a more audience-friendly manner. “You could have simplified your language to resonate more with the crowd,” she advised.

I felt like retorting, but I couldn't articulate my feelings before she left. This experience shattered my confidence in my English abilities, a sentiment that lingered for years.

Lessons Learned from Yuko

1. Understand your audience and tailor your language accordingly—do they prefer data or a relatable narrative?
2. Practice consistently, especially when presenting in a second language.
3. For group presentations, rehearse together to manage time effectively and provide constructive feedback.
4. Let go of the notion that you aren’t a natural speaker and embrace the stage! Maintain eye contact to convey your message with assurance.

The Influence of Language on Storytelling

After my challenging experience, I became fascinated by how psychology impacts second language acquisition. I was inspired when I learned that my Twitter friend Jimmie had launched an all-English podcast after just three years of studying the language.

Many Japanese struggle with English in real-life contexts post-education, primarily due to an emphasis on exam preparation rather than conversational skills.

Jimmie's encouragement led me to participate in a friend's podcast, despite my initial reluctance. I was self-conscious about my voice and speaking style, yet his support helped me push past my apprehensions.

Jimmie's Confidence-Building Strategies

Jimmie began his radio show in 2017, and his podcast in 2022, yet his journey as a DJ started in his teenage years, which explains his comfort in English. However, he once faced frustration when he couldn't interview a record label owner due to his limited English skills. This motivated him to improve.

He dedicated himself to daily online conversation lessons, driven by the goal of connecting with musicians as part of his role as a radio host. Recognizing that many hosts were already music experts, Jimmie sought to distinguish himself by honing his interviewing skills to uncover deeper stories from artists.

His English practice transformed into mock interviews, where he encouraged his tutors to discuss their lives as if they were celebrities, proving that effective storytellers are often adept interviewers.

Interview Techniques from Jimmie

Independent musicians have always been eager to accept Jimmie's interview requests. He effectively utilizes social media to connect with artists before they gain attention from traditional media. His English-language videos on Instagram also help set expectations for potential interviewees regarding language.

Jimmie thoroughly prepares for each interview, recognizing that they are a demonstration of emotional intelligence—the ability to perceive and respond to others' feelings effectively.

He listens carefully to his interviewees, discerning their true messages beyond the surface of their responses. He skillfully navigates conversations, allowing them to flow naturally, which often leads to the most engaging stories.

Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection

When I asked Jimmie about the fear of public mistakes and negative feedback, he responded, “If someone criticizes you, it merely indicates your work has reached beyond your immediate circle.”

He emphasized that he prioritizes the quality of his output over external opinions, allowing him to create fearlessly.

Key Takeaways from Jimmie

1. Be driven by purpose and identify the skills you need to thrive.
2. Stop worrying about others' judgments.
3. Cultivate active listening skills to enhance your storytelling.
4. Choose familiar topics to share valuable narratives, especially in a second language.
5. Value constructive feedback while disregarding baseless negativity.