English Audio Request

Presenter: I would like to talk today about the importance for parents to improve their children’s self-image. Your self-image is the idea you have of yourself such as for example your strengths and weaknesses. Someone’s self-image is heavily influenced by others and as a consequence potentially fragile. That’s why it is important for parents to help create a positive self-image. A positive self-image means that the child feels capable and this feeling comes from the influence of important people in a child’s life such as parents, relatives, teachers and friends.
Examiner: You mentioned that someone’s self-image can be fragile. What do you mean by this?
Presenter: Well, what other people think or say about you is what shapes your self-image. So, if you have for example a teacher who criticises you a lot this may change the perception you have about yourself in a pretty negative way.
Examiner: I see. Thank you. Please continue.
Presenter: So, now let’s turn to potential pitfalls. Parents often try too hard and this may unintentionally influence their children’s self-image negatively. What I mean is that parents who work too hard to make their children feel happy, are likely to raise children who are unable to make themselves happy. Parents who try to protect their children from difficulties are likely to raise children who can’t cope with them. And as a result these children may develop a tendency to give up quickly when facing problems.
Examiner: Are you talking from your own experience?
Presenter: In a way yes, I guess. I mean, I wasn’t a spoiled child but my youngest brother was and he still expects people to do things for him. He’s not very independent.
Presenter: Now, I’d like to focus on ways to enhance children’s self-image.
One way is through non-verbal communication and then mainly positive features such as eye contact, smiles, and appropriate intonation.
Another thing is to stay calm so children have no reason to get angry with you. But those are just details. What is key is what is beneath the surface. Let children see a connection between misbehaviour and the consequences. I’ll share with you some tips on how to do this. It is important not to wait too long to confront the child with the consequences of their behaviour.
Examiner: How can you ensure that children see a connection? I can imagine that young children may forget what they’ve done wrong.
Presenter: Ah, yes. Good point. It’s indeed important not to wait too long after the incident to confront the child with the consequences.
Presenter: Also avoid at all costs a top-down approach. This implies involving the children as much as possible. Consider asking the child for possible solutions and help with problem solving techniques if necessary.
Examiner: I’m not sure I understood what you mean by a top-down approach. Can you expand on that?
Presenter: No problem. It means that the child should be involved in the decision making process. If all feedback comes from the parent the child may feel that they don’t have options. What I mean is that when you drive someone in a corner, they may become uncooperative.
Examiner: Thank you very much. This is the end of the speaking exam.