I went on, Hayakawa wrote, to remark that it must be espcially difficult
to travel with a small child in winter when train schedules were so
uncertain. Again the husband agreed. I then asked the childs age and
remarked that their child looked very big
How to Sound Like Youve Got a Super Personality 53
and strong for his age. Again agreement, this time with a slight smile.
The tension was relaxing.
After two or three more exchanges, the man asked Hayakawa, I hope
you dont mind my bringing it up, but youre Japanese, arent you? Do you
think the Japs have any chance of winning this war?
Well, Hayakawa replied, your guess is as good as mine. I dont know any
more than I read in the papers. But the way I fiure it, I dont see how the
Japanese, with their lack of coal and steel and oil... can ever beat a
powerfully industrialized nation like the United States.
Hayakawa went on, My remark was admittedly neither oriinal nor well
informed. Hundreds of radio commentators... were saying much the same
thing during those weeks. But just because they were, the remark sounded
familiar and was on the right side so that it was easy to agree with.
The Wisconsin man agreed at once with what seemed like genuine
relief. His next remark was, Say, I hope your folks arent over there while
the war is going on.
Yes, they are, Hayakawa replied. My father and mother and two young
sisters are over there.
Do you ever hear from them? the man asked. How can I? Hayakawa
answered. Both the man and his wife looked troubled and sympathetic.
Do you mean you wont be able to see them or hear from them until after
the war is over?
There was more to the conversation but the result was, within ten
minutes they had invited Hayakawawhom they initially may have suspected
was a Japanese spyto visit them sometime in their city and have dinner in
their home. And all because of this brilliant scholars admittedly common
and unoriginal small talk. Top communicators know the most soothing and
appropriate first words should be, like Senator Hayakawas, unoriginal, even
banal.
But not indifferent. Hayakawa delivered his sentiments with sicerity and
passion.
Ascent from Banality
ooja
(Ooja)
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