15. Elizabeth Davie on unlocking the power of play for researchers

2024-06-03

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/15-elizabeth-davie Today’s episode is a deep dive with Elizabeth Davie, the coordinator of the University of Melbourne’s Complex Human Data Hub and an accomplished comedy performer, director, and teacher. Elizabeth shares her insights on the critical role of playfulness in research communication and engagement. She brings unique perspectives from her experience in clowning, improv, and stand-up comedy, emphasising how these art form...

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/15-elizabeth-davie

Today’s episode is a deep dive with Elizabeth Davie, the coordinator of the University of Melbourne’s Complex Human Data Hub and an accomplished comedy performer, director, and teacher.

Elizabeth shares her insights on the critical role of playfulness in research communication and engagement. She brings unique perspectives from her experience in clowning, improv, and stand-up comedy, emphasising how these art forms can transform workplace culture and enhance researchers’ communication skills.

Join us as we explore how playfulness can lead to more authentic, engaging, and memorable research presentations and why it’s essential to incorporate fun into our professional lives.

If you have an important presentation, conference, or meeting coming up, this episode is a must listen! Elizabeth provides incredibly powerful and granular tips on how to be present and get in touch with your body during high stakes communications and engagements.

Our conversation covers:

The role of playfulness in professional settings and why it matters.
Elizabeth’s journey into clowning and how it influenced her approach to teaching and communication.
Practical tips for researchers to get comfortable with failure and use it to their advantage.
Techniques for becoming more present during presentations — including breathing, how to deal with nervous energy, and what to do right before you step on stage.
How to be playful about serious topics.
The importance of curiosity and how to foster it in your daily work.
Strategies for incorporating play and fun into research organizations to improve team dynamics and productivity.
Elizabeth’s insights on creating engaging and effective communication through humor and play.