Stir your cement with a cake mixer and other great advice | Interview with my mum
I interviewed my mum, Denise, who was a primary school teacher for decades and now teaches English as a second language about learning new skills, languages, and the power of storytelling...
We kicked off our conversation with an embarrassing anecdote about me picking up foul language as an infant. Then my mum (Denise, a veteran teacher) and I geeked out for half an hour. We spoke about learning new skills, why learning foreign languages builds empathy, and the power of storytelling.
Here are my key takeaways from the interview, and you can watch the full thing here.
Why learning languages is important…
Learning new languages helps you understand others better. We’re all in a bubble shaped by our experiences and cultural norms. When you learn a new language you get to discover firsthand that other ways of viewing the world exist. It encourages you to see things from other points of view and be more empathetic.
Why storytelling is important…
Children who experience a story-rich environment tend to be much more successful than those who don’t. Stories help you to learn language, activate your imagination, and build memories — plus they’re a fun way of learning.
Tips for picking up a new skill…
To me, it seems like my mum is constantly picking up new skills. We spoke about how she decided she wanted to tile a floor and learned to do it in a couple of days. Her tips:
Before you start, observe someone doing the skill you want to learn and identify obstacles/tricky parts you need to learn about
Don’t prevaricate (delay) for too long. Be ready to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in
If you don’t have a cement mixer, an electric cake whisk works too
Tips for articulating a vision (especially if you struggle to get your words out)…
We both have experience teaching and helping our students to build confidence. We discussed what you should do if you’re struggling to explain something in a new language (especially if you feel under pressure — for example, if you’re giving a presentation.) Our tips:
Before you speak, get clear on what you really want to say. Ask ‘why’ a few times to get to the root of your main point.
Give yourself time. It might feel like you’re taking ages, but you’re not. Slow down. Take a few deep breaths. Your audience will wait.
Go step by step. Instead of getting intimated by the whole task, break it into chunks.