Job Discussion Forums

Lover · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 86

Hello everyone! I have finally returned to Japan! This is my first teaching job in Japan. Last time I was here I was a student studying Japanese at a university.

Anyway, I am looking forward to teaching, but must admit I am a little nervous about the first day. Can anyone share their first day teaching?

I am told I will have to give two speeches in Japanese. One to the teachers in the staff room and the second to all the students in the gym. If anyone had to give such a speech what did you say?

My supervisor said it doesn't have to be elaborate, but since I can speak Japanese so well I should make my speech detailed enough to get everyone interested. My concern is that I can speak Japanese well, but I am not an interesting person.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Are you going to work in a high school? I do. Every year there are several speeches to make, not two. Each one seems to be the same, no matter if the audience has similar people in it.

Just introduce yourself. Say you studied here earlier and are now looking forward to changing roles to be a teacher. Simpler is better. Just remember... If your students know you can speak Japanese fairly well, they will lose the incentive to use English in your classroom.

sethness · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 209 Location: Hiroshima, Japan

At speeches like this, you should be modest. Don't toot your own horn, or suggest how YOU would like to change the way things are done. Remember: Japan thrives on the image of workers as self-sacrificing team-members.

Keeping that in mind, your first-day speech should say:
I'm glad to be back in Japan.
I will "ganbarimasu".
The co-workers and students and boss seem smart and genki and friendly (whether this seems true or not).

If you want to inject a LITTLE humor, that's fine... but JUST a little.
I personally find that it's a turn-off to the Japanese if I inject too much humor. (I've been in a few Japanese-speech contests, so I've got some experience and feedback on this, in a more forgiving forum than first-day speeches.)

One way to grab their attention is to use some of the most popular catch phrases from TV commercials and popular Manzai commedians. Again... USE THIS SPICE CONSERVATIVELY. Once, maybe twice in a short speech. Examples would include waving your arms like snakes while saying "Nannnnde daroooo", or saying "sabu !" (samui...cold) if a joke is a real stinker or bombs with the audience.

BODY LANGUAGE: Japanese feel threatened by large body movements, so while making a speech and in general, try to keep your arms closer to your sides and less active than you would in a Western environment.

CLOTHING: First day, dress like a Mormon. Men In Black. Midwestern accountant. Your co-workers may be considerably more relaxed, but at first you should look genki/eager to make a good impression...THEN AFTERWARD, strive merely to fit in.

Lover · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 86

Thanks everyone! You all made gread advice! I made my speeches short and said as recommended, I look forward to working meeting everyone one to one.
I wonder how people makes speeches who are just beginning to learn Japanese. Because I was so nervous, I sometimes forgot a word or two.

Anyway, thanks again.

One last question. Yes, I work at a high school! How many more speeches will I have to give? I am told, I will have to make another short speech at the good bye/welcome party.