NightVision ToastMasters

“Creativity is kind of like pornography — you know it when you see it,”

Rex Jung, Research Scientist

Mind Research Network, Alburquerque, New Mexico

As Toastmasters we all know creativity when we experience it – it’s embodied in that moment each of us is engaged by a speech or presentation that goes beyond the ordinary. But how do we open ourselves to making more of those moments by being creative? What is creativity exactly?

One possible definition of creativity is the ability to combine novelty and usefulness in a particular social context. But is that all there is to it? What happens if someone has a brilliant idea that’s a failure in a particular social context – is the idea inherently not creative or might social change resistance play a role in its failure?  An alternate definition suggests that creativity is the ability to restructure one’s understanding of a situation in a non-obvious way. Creativity may not only involve coming up with something new, but also require shutting down the brain’s habitual response, or letting go of conventional solutions.

For the theme this week, I’d like us to explore creativity – are we all getting enough or can we hook ourselves up with more? How do we do that?

Sharon