I had a unique experience today. A deaf lady came in to view an apartment. When she walked in, I stood up and said "Hey" as I would to anyone. She pointed to her ear, and symboled that she needed a pen & paper. She asked to see a two bedroom apartment. So I got my keys, and motioned for her to follow me.
But you see, leasing an apartment is much like selling a car. We go through tons of classes and "sales rallies" to teach us to persuade renters. For example instead of saying "What do you think about the size of the bedroom" you would say "Wouldn't your king-sized bed fit great against this wall." Well, just throw all that out the window when you can't even TALK to the poor girl. I felt like an idiot. I would start talking, only to realize she was totally unaware. Then I felt as if it were an awkward silence. I guess only for me though.
I was thinking on my toes though, so I brought the pen and paper along on the tour. It didn't work well though. I couldn't write the names of the rooms down as quick as she was walking. And really, people already know it's the kitchen, it's just that I'm supposed to say "here is the kitchen" when we walk into it. Writing it however, makes it all seem a little like...well duh!
I just want to kick myself for not finishing sign languange in school everytime I run into a deaf person. (Which so far is like once every 4 years or so...but still!)
 Labels: apartments, deaf, leasing, sales, sign language |
Did you get your job back? Am I missing something? I am so confused.