Japan's bureaucrats (may) have little to laugh about these days, given opposition charges of misspent tax money, but that has not (stopped) one ministry offering its officials a (unique) form of training -- as stand-up comics.
More than 100 transport (ministry) officials in their 20s got tips this week from professional comedians as part of (training) in communication skills.
"By experiencing (comedy) routines, we hope they can learn more about how to speak to clients and how to manage their (staff) as they begin to have more management responsibility," said Atsuya Kawada, deputy director of the ministry's personnel (division).
The training coincides with attacks by the main (opposition) Democratic Party, eyeing victory in a looming election, on what the (party) calls wasteful public spending due to decades of policy collusion between bureaucrats and ruling party lawmakers.
Kawada said the (approach) was better than just listening to (lectures) for young officials, who are often tired from long working hours.
"We also hope this training will soften the (stiff) image of bureaucrats," he added.
Question)
1. How important is the communication ability?
2. How to improve your communication ability?