As I continue to explore the concept of “raising interesting kids”, I started to wonder, what is “IT” that makes a person interesting in the first place?
People we classify as interesting tend to have a few specific traits in common. While personal interest, background and upbringing have some relation to what makes one person interesting to another, I have narrowed it down to two necessary things they must have to make the cut.
They are storytellers and they are participators.
An amazing person who has done cutting edge and courageous things and is unable to communicate them just can’t be added to the list as we would never remain engaged long enough to find out if they are interesting.
I have sat in workshops where I was interested in the topic and the adventures of the presenter and I tried very hard to find the passion and excitement for listening, but because of the communication skills of the speaker, I drifted away.
As well, it may be entertaining at the beginning to listen to a storyteller who has not had a wide range of experience. They will keep us engaged to a certain level, but eventually we will tire of their repetitive stories and then lose interest in continuing to engage them in discussion.
Understanding that you need to have the style and the substance to be considered interesting is hugely important. Not only do we need to teach our children how to communicate and engage, we also need to give them opportunities to experience a variety of things.
So, in the attempt to “Raise Interesting Kids”, or to define “Interesting People” we need to ensure the following:
- They are able to tell stories. What ever topic we are discussing, they are able to deliver it in a way that engages me, inspires me and takes me along for the ride. I leave a discussion with them feeling excited about a new topic, or inspired to change.
- They are adventurers. Interesting people have usually gone farther, done more or achieved greatness in some form of their life. They set benchmarks for the rest of us to meet. They have forged creative ground in business, pushed boundaries in their activities or taken risks to achieve their dreams. Interesting people seem to have courage that many of us strive for. And no, it does not need to be dramatic, but whatever their interest and passion (from base jumping to star trek) they have mastered it.
And understanding that an interesting person has Style & Substance to complete the package, what does that really mean?
Style
When it comes down to style I believe there are a few key points to consider. Humour, intellect, body language (eye contact) communication styles and engagement. All of these traits help the person deliver their message, and communicate their passion. Without the delivery method, the message would be lost.
Substance
Courage/adventure, community/compassion, creativity, intellect, hobbies & skills. Again, passion and the ability to master ones interest is important.
If we are able to create opportunities for our kids to master a skill or passion and then communicate it, my guess is they would be considered “interesting”
And having them not only communicate their message to other kids, but also to adults, is what really builds our excitement for them. To have a tween chat with you about their passion for rock climbing, or portrait art, or muffin making, would engage many an adult. If they are able to communicate their passion with skill, and attention to detail and full body engagement. . . well, I imagine there would be one or two adults looking to sign up for rock climbing, portrait art or muffin making classes!
So, now that I understand WHAT makes a person interesting, we can start to explore HOW parents are providing these opportunities to their kids.
Starting next week I will start sharing stories from parents around the globe so we can see the range of things that they are doing.
As well, if YOU want to be a part of this project, just click here to participate.
Now, truthfully . . . what do you think of my reasoning? Do you agree that these are the core factors that make a person interesting?