On Saturday 23rd April 2022, I organised our very first Lightening Talks, named 'Meet the Fellow Learners!' here at Nihongo Net, when students used a Zoom meeting to present a five minute talk all in Japanese!

The levels of each student varied, but all participants really enjoyed the opportunity to present themselves in Japanese in front of the audience. The theme was their experience in learning Japanese. Apart from myself and the participants, I invited two Japanese guests, a lawyer who lives in Bristol and a businessman who lives in Tokyo who, at the end of the Lightening Talks, chose their picks of the day.

For most students, the task to give a speech in front of the audience could have been daunting. However, they did ever so well! Considering that they could not speak well when they joined my tutoring, after they studied with me for several months, or for some students, around 2 years, they spoke so fluently. They conveyed what they wanted to say in Japanese beautifully. It was definitely most inspiring occasion for all the speakers. For me, it was very moving to see each one of them speak Japanese so well.

Before the participants prepared their speech, I have asked what food they like the most. I wanted to find out what was the most popular food among the language learners, but as the world is so diverse, their choices were all so different! The food that were mentioned by my students were: Tori no Karaage, Tempura, Soba, Little Mochi Moons, Sushi, Buta Ramen, Matcha Choco, Amai-mono (sweet things), Steaks, Mochi, and Takoyaki!!!

As the reception of this first Lightening Talks was so good among the students, I would like to hold more Lightening Talk meetings regularly. It all depends on the participants but if they are willing to give more speeches, I could organise this kind of meetings 2-3-4 times a year. I very much look forward to seeing my students enjoy expressing themselves in Japanese in front of the audience, and showing their progresses!

Noriko @Nihongo Net