The Art of Diplomacy | Tayo Rockson | TEDxCooperUnion

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker shares insights from growing up in various countries due to their father’s work as a diplomat. Observing their father’s methods, they learned that diplomacy is about understanding and finding common ground amidst differences. They highlight three key strategies to embrace diplomacy: gathering information about others, actively listening to understand, and becoming a part of diverse communities. Emphasizing the importance of cultural competence, they argue that embracing diplomacy helps combat fear and hate, fostering a more connected and peaceful world.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker lived in five countries across four continents due to his father's role as a diplomat, shaping his global perspective.
• 👨‍👦 The speaker's father taught him that the world is bigger than oneself, and success requires understanding it.
• 🎓 Cultural competence is a crucial skill in today's world, helping combat fear, hate, and division.
• 🤝 Diplomacy involves understanding differences and finding common ground to foster peace and cooperation.
• 📚 The first step to diplomacy is gathering information about cultures, observing surroundings, and asking open-ended questions.
• 🏀 The speaker learned about basketball to connect with others in Burkina Faso, demonstrating the power of shared interests.
• 👂 Active listening, not just hearing to be understood, is vital for mutual understanding and effective communication.
• 🌍 Becoming an active member of one's community helps foster empathy and broadens perspectives on global issues.
• 🗺️ Understanding global geography and current events is essential to seeing how interconnected the world truly is.
• 💡 Embracing change, exploring new environments, and seeking understanding can reduce fear and foster acceptance and tolerance.

Q & A

What was the main reason the speaker lived in multiple countries during childhood?

The speaker's father was a diplomat, which required the family to move frequently to various countries.

What lesson did the speaker learn from observing his father’s morning routine?

The speaker learned the importance of staying informed and understanding the world in order to succeed in it.

How did the speaker initially try to make friends in Burkina Faso, and what did he learn from the experience?

The speaker studied basketball, a popular activity, to engage with others and make friends. He learned that understanding and finding commonalities can help build connections.

What does the speaker define as the 'art of diplomacy'?

The 'art of diplomacy' involves understanding the differences around you and finding the commonalities that exist within them.

What are the three ways to embrace the art of diplomacy, according to the speaker?

The three ways are: 1) Collecting and gathering information, 2) Being an active listener, and 3) Becoming an active member of your community.

Why does the speaker believe cultural competence is the most important skill for the 21st century?

Cultural competence helps bridge divides, reduces fear and hate, and fosters collaboration, which is essential in an increasingly interconnected world.

What strategy did the speaker use to connect with people in a foreign country when he and his friends got lost in Greece?

The speaker and his friends initially tried multiple languages and gestures, but eventually shifted to active listening by focusing on locals' body language and non-verbal cues.

Why is active listening considered crucial for diplomacy?

Active listening helps build mutual trust and understanding, allowing for more effective communication and positive collaboration.

What advice does the speaker give for becoming an active member of a community?

The speaker advises understanding the politics, geography, and economics of the community, as well as joining groups or activities that help broaden one’s perspective.

How did the speaker’s teacher in 8th grade emphasize the importance of global awareness?

The teacher made the class memorize every country, capital, and major body of water, teaching them to connect global events with specific places and recognize the interconnectedness of the world.