Synchronized diving, swimming, beach volleyball and, of course, gymnastics. The Summer Olympics capture all of us – if only for 16 days.
Being part of a global organization, such as the International Association of Business Communicators, makes me think about the communication that goes on among Olympic athletes. Of course many of these athletes don’t speak the same language, just as some of our membership from across the world doesn’t.
It can be tricky to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak your language (and sometimes embarrassing) as you try your luck with a few common phrases heard on TV and mostly relying on grunts and rudimentary gestures. But surprisingly – just like a sly one-year-old – we usually get our point across.
I finished a cross-country drive with my kids this week and was thinking about these amazing athletes. Not only are they living their dream as Olympians, they’re visiting one of the world’s most exciting cities. I imagine they are wandering through the Olympic Village, attempting some non-verbal communication within the enormous international community. I’m envious. What an unbelievable adventure, even as a spectator, to soak up the ambience of Beijing at this time.
It reminded me of another international adventure that feels like a lifetime ago. I spent a high school spring break in Mexico with family. I returned to Shawnee, Kansas, and wrote a emotional commentary for my high school newspaper lambasting the communication skills of spring breakers – especially their treatment of the Mexican tradesmen. After digging through two boxes in the attic at my parent’s house, I found the piece (yes, my mom and I somewhat of a pack rats). I was Megan Mullikin back in 1989, but as you will see if you click the link below, I was just as opinionated as the Megan Neher you know now!
Thankfully, I’m confident the Olympians in Beijing use much better communication in the international scene than my classmates did during their weeklong freedom at Padre Island. U.S. Olympic personalities like Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson and others help ensure we’ve buried the persona of the Ugly American forever!
