Real-Life Communication
Streetcar operators have to be excellent communicators since they
deal with members of the public every day. And those members may come from
a wide range of economic, social and ethnic backgrounds.
"The way you
express yourself, the way you explain certain rules to people is very important,"
says Carlos Munoz. He is a streetcar operator. "Some people, some cultures
take certain words a certain way, so you have to be careful."
Body
language and tone are also important when you deal with the public. Note,
though, that streetcar operators have very little time to make their point.
They have to keep a schedule.
You are a streetcar operator. A group
of tourists wants to get off near a famous city landmark. But
traffic along the road that you are traveling is heavy because of rush hour,
and you will have to wait until you see an opening before you can let the
tourists off through the back door.
They are already standing near
the back steps. Indeed, some are already standing on the steps, anxious to
get off. Some are even cursing at you, wondering why they cannot get out.
What do you tell them?