¿Y si adultos y niños habláramos más? | Javier Ochoa García de León | TEDxPitic

Summary

This compelling script explores the dynamics of communication between adults and children, focusing on the importance of listening, learning, and mutual respect. It contrasts two types of adults—Emilio, who views conversations as competitive and dismissive, and Roberto, who embraces open dialogue and learning from others. The speaker reflects on the generational gap in communication and highlights how children, despite their age, have the potential to change the world. Through examples like Alexandra Scott and Malala, the script underscores the value of trusting children and fostering an environment where both adults and children can grow together.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adults often fail to truly listen to children, making it difficult for meaningful communication to happen.
• 😀 The speaker conducted an experiment to understand why speaking with adults can be challenging, finding that adults do not always welcome conversations with children.
• 😀 Three benefits of speaking correctly with children: learning new things, improving relationships, and building trust.
• 😀 The speaker identifies two types of adults in conversations: 'Emilio' (who dominates discussions and fears being wrong) and 'Roberto' (who enjoys conversations and is open to learning and teaching).
• 😀 'Emilio' represents an adult who makes conversations feel like a monologue, often seeking to show off knowledge, whereas 'Roberto' is open to learning and sharing without dominating the conversation.
• 😀 Conversations should be about mutual learning, not one person trying to prove superiority.
• 😀 Trust between a child and an adult can be built when communication is open and not dominated by the adult's need to 'win' the conversation.
• 😀 Children have the ability to teach adults, as shown by historical figures like Malala and Alexandra Scott, who made significant contributions from a young age.
• 😀 Parents and adults should avoid repeating what children say when they express themselves, as this can break trust and hinder open communication.
• 😀 Effective communication with children requires creating a comfortable environment and being an active listener to foster trust and openness.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker's reflection?

The main message of the speaker's reflection is the importance of communication between adults and children, and how adults can better listen and engage with children to foster trust, creativity, and mutual understanding.

Why does the speaker mention the example of the U.S. elections?

The speaker uses the example of the U.S. elections to illustrate a situation where an adult shared incorrect information, which prompted the speaker to confront him. This interaction highlights the challenge of communicating with adults and how adults sometimes dismiss or argue against children's knowledge.

What are the two types of adults the speaker describes in conversations?

The speaker describes two types of adults in conversations: 'Emilio,' who treats conversations like a competition, dominates discussions, and avoids learning, and 'Roberto,' who is open, enjoys meaningful exchanges, and encourages learning from both sides.

What is the significance of the 'Emilio' character?

The 'Emilio' character represents adults who are defensive, competitive, and closed off from learning. Emilio is afraid of appearing less knowledgeable and, therefore, refuses to listen or accept other perspectives, which stifles meaningful communication.

How does 'Roberto' differ from 'Emilio' in conversations?

Unlike 'Emilio,' 'Roberto' is open to learning from others, enjoys conversations, and fosters an environment where both parties can exchange ideas freely. Roberto listens, asks questions, and promotes trust and understanding, making conversations more rewarding and educational.

What are the three key benefits of speaking correctly with children, according to the speaker?

The three key benefits are: 1) learning new things, as children often offer fresh perspectives; 2) improving the relationship with your children, as open communication builds trust; and 3) fostering confidence, as children feel heard and valued in the conversation.

How does the speaker suggest parents can improve communication with their children?

The speaker suggests that parents should create a comfortable environment for communication by not intimidating their children and by practicing active listening. Parents should focus on creating trust and openness, and avoid repeating what their children share in a way that breaks their confidence.

What does the speaker mean by the 'safe box' concept in communication?

The 'safe box' concept represents a space where a child and an adult can communicate freely and with trust. When communication is healthy, the child feels comfortable opening up and sharing the truth, symbolized by windows in the box. If the communication is broken, it results in the closure of these windows, leading to mistrust.

Why does the speaker believe that many children’s ideas are wasted?

The speaker believes that many children's ideas are wasted because they are not given the opportunity to express them or they are dismissed by adults. The potential of young minds is often overlooked, despite children having innovative and creative ideas that could lead to positive change.

How do the examples of Alexandra Scott and Malala Yousafzai illustrate the importance of children’s contributions?

Alexandra Scott and Malala Yousafzai exemplify how children, when given the opportunity to communicate and act, can change the world. Alexandra raised millions for cancer research, and Malala became an advocate for girls' education. These examples show how children can have a profound impact when their ideas are supported.