Montevideo, Uruguay: Setting the Stage for Conversation
Action
The first event of the Encuentro we attended in Montevideo was the presentation of a play about immigrants from the Southern Cone (Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina) living in a European country. The play adressed the dictatorships of the 1970s that ruled the Southern Cone as well as the current massive rate of unemployment. Though the play was in Spanish, members of the audience who did not speak Spanish received a program with a detailed summary of the play in English, including parenthetical comments clarifying references that might not be familiar to North Americans.
After the play, the members of the audience, which was composed entirely of participants in the encounter, were encouraged participate in a group dance. Exchanging nervous looks and laughing self-conciously, we grasped hands and tried to follow the instructions to complete two short, traditional English dances. I believe I’ve seen 4-year-olds play Ring Around the Rosie with more grace and coordination. Those that didn’t participate in the dances themselves, took pictures and videos and laughed at…ahem…with those of us who were trying to follow the dance.
At the farewell party of the encounter, we attempted another group dance.
Reflection
After devoting a blog entry to critiquing panel discussions, I wanted to share a conference experience that worked. To begin with, both the play and the dance overcame the Language Barrier that plagued us at the World Social Forum. The actors in the play were animated enough to keep those of us who couldn’t understand everything they were saying entertained, and there was just enough light to read the Enligh-language summaries between scenes. During the dance, facial expressions conveyed, “whoops, sorry!” “Do you understand what we’re supposed to do next?” and “I feel ridiculous, but I’m enjoying myself!”
Next, at the reception following the play and dance, mingling was easy and open. The common experience of viewing the play and participating (or just watching) the dance, created a starting point for conversations. Moreover, it was virtually impossible to be worried about trying to impress someone with whom I had just repeatedly collided.
Question
What makes you feel more (or less) comfortable when talking to new people?
The first event of the Encuentro we attended in Montevideo was the presentation of a play about immigrants from the Southern Cone (Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina) living in a European country. The play adressed the dictatorships of the 1970s that ruled the Southern Cone as well as the current massive rate of unemployment. Though the play was in Spanish, members of the audience who did not speak Spanish received a program with a detailed summary of the play in English, including parenthetical comments clarifying references that might not be familiar to North Americans.
After the play, the members of the audience, which was composed entirely of participants in the encounter, were encouraged participate in a group dance. Exchanging nervous looks and laughing self-conciously, we grasped hands and tried to follow the instructions to complete two short, traditional English dances. I believe I’ve seen 4-year-olds play Ring Around the Rosie with more grace and coordination. Those that didn’t participate in the dances themselves, took pictures and videos and laughed at…ahem…with those of us who were trying to follow the dance.
At the farewell party of the encounter, we attempted another group dance.
Reflection
After devoting a blog entry to critiquing panel discussions, I wanted to share a conference experience that worked. To begin with, both the play and the dance overcame the Language Barrier that plagued us at the World Social Forum. The actors in the play were animated enough to keep those of us who couldn’t understand everything they were saying entertained, and there was just enough light to read the Enligh-language summaries between scenes. During the dance, facial expressions conveyed, “whoops, sorry!” “Do you understand what we’re supposed to do next?” and “I feel ridiculous, but I’m enjoying myself!”
Next, at the reception following the play and dance, mingling was easy and open. The common experience of viewing the play and participating (or just watching) the dance, created a starting point for conversations. Moreover, it was virtually impossible to be worried about trying to impress someone with whom I had just repeatedly collided.
Question
What makes you feel more (or less) comfortable when talking to new people?
3 Comments:
At 11:24 PM, lernerm said…
I'm fairly introverted, so in general I'm not too comfortable talking with new people, especially large groups - I always prefer talking one on one, or in a small group. I'm more comfortable when we have some common interests or background (speaking the same language helps I guess). I'm also more comfortable when I don't feel that I'm going to be judged. What makes me uncomfortable is knowing that I'm stuck and can't leave when the conversation lulls. I'm also more comfortable when I'm happy and contented - eg when eating or hiking.
At 5:24 PM, Mandy said…
Hi there Renate:
John directed me to your site and all I can say is, WOW! His praise of you was all true!
I've enjoyed reading your various travel experiences and I have to say I'm inspired to follow in your footsteps.
In response to your question, all I can say is kindness and compassion are the keys to any encounter. I tend to be extremely extroverted, but I suppose it helps to have a natural curiosity of others. I don't believe I've ever had anyone respond to me in an uninviting way, foreign or domestic. That may be a part of gravitating towards positive, interesting people.
At 12:38 PM, Renate said…
Hi Mandy!
Thanks for reading and posting! Your comment highlighted, for me at least, a difference between you extroverts and introverts like myself. I thought it was interesting that you said you've never had anyone respond to you in an uninviting way. Even though, honestly, I can't remember any unfriendly responses from people when I initiate conversations, I'm still intimidated and hesitant before talking to strangers and often leave interactions feeling like I somehow mishandled them with my own awkwardness. I doubt that's actually the case, I think it's more my subjective impression as an introvert. I envy your confidence.
PS We'd love to hear from other lurkers out there! :)
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