Galactic Activity 3

To explain the origins of something – objects, technology, places, phenomena, ideas, beliefs etc.

Activity 3 – Explain the Origin

Duration: 3 mins
Applicable Streams: Personal Challenge, Education, Technical, Sales, Comedy, Humour

Aim

In this activity you are aiming to:

  • Inform or entertain (with humour),
  • Present information, and
  • Draw on ideas and knowledge and seamlessly combine fact with fiction.

Objectives

To do this, you will need to keep the following objectives in mind:

  1. Introduce new ideas and concepts.
  2. Present the information in a logical and convincing way.
  3. Link the ideas and concepts to make sense as part of your explanation.
  4. Provide a convincing conclusion.

The Why…

An everyday object is something which is used every day, or forms a regular and basic part of your life, so it is not especially interesting or unusual. Your task is to make it interesting or unusual. Why? It’s a fun way to practice the skills of

  • Creative thinking, and using your imagination.
  • Thinking on your feet.
  • Linking ideas.
  • Researching.

Where do I start?

Spend some time surfing the internet to get some historical perspective and facts on common objects. For example, “Ten Surprising Facts About Everyday Household Objects” (Smithsonian Magazine)

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/ten-surprising-facts-about-everyday-household-objects-180974566/

The How

Specific guidelines on how to tackle this activity.

Explain the origin (country, timeline, historical development) of everyday items such as the rolling pin, a stapler, the tissue box, a door handle, etc.

Variations:

Impromptu (so probably humorous)

  • This version really makes you think on your feet and be creative.
  • You will have no preparation time, so when you’re given your object you’ll need to start right away.
  • Start with explaining what the object is used for and why it makes life easier (or what role it plays in every day life). While you’re explaining this, start thinking about possible country and timeline origins, and then let your imagination run with it.
  • Practice at home by picking up random objects and explaining to yourself or those you share a home with, or ask them to hand you random objects to explain.

Prepared (can be humorous, but doesn’t need to be)

  • Search for all and any information you can find about the object – both its origin and timeline, but also any country specific or news related items of interest. Try searching for ‘<insert object name> news’ or ‘<insert object name> future’ or ‘<insert object name> statistics’
  • If you’re struggling with what to say in what order, consider the 4 Ws – before launching into some interesting facts or figures that you’ve found in your searching.
    • What does it do?
    • When was it invented?
    • Who invented it, and for whom?
    • Where was it first used? (or patented, or sold commercially)
  • For any unusual or surprising facts about the object, try putting them into a rhetorical question for the audience so as to peak their interest – for example ‘The stapler – would you believe me if I told you it was invented in the 1700s?’ or ‘The stapler was actually invented for a King in Europe – any ideas on who that King may be?’

Tips and traps

  • Avoid presenting too many ideas
  • Use rhetorical questions to peak interest with the audience
  • Flesh out the ideas and concepts and ‘facts’ you are presenting, with evidence, examples, stories to support your proposition.

Guidelines for Program Director:

  • Include this as a fun activity to break out more serious and cerebral activities.
  • Provide suggested objects at the meeting, for the Chair to select from.