Please enjoy my act and watch me embarrass myself presenting my first ever stand-up performance, for academics!… It was so much fun!
Bright Club is a researcher-led initiative aiming to communicate their knowledge via stand-up. We were challenged to create our own authentic comedy routine. The
endeavor was to bring our insights out of the ivory tower and onto main street. Totally outside of my comfort zone, and that is why it was so much fun! I chose to discuss a basic question from my field of Positive Psychology:
Can we really change?
In my routine I explain how it is important to know that almost all research studies deliver results about the average state of affairs. (And here I insert a joke: How do you call where they make average? The satisfactory.) (haha!). The point of my show was that you can’t gauge the potentials of individuals by gauging average states. A better way when studying human potential, is to study the best — and then apply it to the rest. In studying how people can change, we should look at those individuals who thrive and flourish, and determine what made them thrive. Then we find ways of applying those findings to the rest of us in order to reach our highest potentials.
I’m glad to be able to write about my performance in a blog, because due to the nervousness and excitement I forgot to say something very important: Studying our best qualities serves research, but also it also applies to us personally. It is important not only to look at the best in others, but also in ourselves. Let’s look at our own best experiences. When was I at my best, when was I at my happiest? What ingredient made me great at something, or so happy, and how can I apply those elements to the present? (Try discussing this with a friend!)
In my research and production of social media videos this year, I plan to publish more on this topic, so please stay tuned!
And for all you researchers: I challenge you to try stretching your comfort zone as the Bright Club Shows commence every few months in Edinburgh’s Stand Comedy. Read more about Bright Club as a Public Engagement activity on the University of Edinburgh website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development/research-roles/public-engagement/opportunities/bright-club
