Previous Events Below is a list of some of the events that I have been involved with: in Brighton The Brighton Science Festival:
Music and Teritory in Brighton In the magazine with the largest circulation in Brighton:
Date: Issue distributed 22 February 2011 in London The Royal Institution of Great Britain Exclusive Book Pre-release Event at the Royal Institution in Brighton Book Launch party Book Launch on UK radio - November 24 BBC Radio London - "The Vanessa Feltz shown" On November 24 I appeared on BBC Radio London in an interview with Vanessa Feltz concerning a breaking news story about body language . The news story concerned a study by scientists in California showing that people in the lower class are better at recognising nonverbal communication than upper class people. It was an amausing interview because, as always, Vanessa Feltz had strong opinions on the topic, which she voiced with her inimitable colourful style. in India (Chennai) Debating Matters India - The National Championship I was a judge on November 19-20 at the National Finals for the "Debating Matters India" in Chennai. Debating Matters is a debating competition for students aged 16-18 at schools throughout the UK run by the Institute of Ideas; Debating Matters India is its cognate event in India. The Indian students were excellent and the standards of debate were high, as they debated the motions: "Scepticism is critical in debates about climate change" and "Financial incentives provide the best solution to the crisis of organ donation". The champions were Model School, Sector 15, Chandigarh, but many excellent points were raised by students from all the schools. Many thanks go to Tony Gilland, Director of Debating Matters, Helen Birtwistle, Resources and Communications Manager, and the four enthusiastic and intelligent debating matters alumni, who made the event a great success. BBC Radio 4 - "Word of Mouth" On August 17 I appeared on BBC Radio 4 in "Word of Mouth" concerning body language . It was a funny interview because the interviewer, Chris Ledgard, plainly did not believe in body language or what I was saying (although the producer did). In the course of the interview I was asked to critique his body language (on the radio), which led to some amusing moments. Election Coverage: the Prime Ministerial Debates I made comments on radio (see below), on the leading story on the BBC web site, and on my own body language blog on the first ever Prime Minister's Debate series, which includes short articles entitled: David Cameron Wins by a Smile - 30 April This is an historic election for Britain. For the first time ever, the potential Prime Ministers are debating on television. I am covering the body language for the BBC. The precise dates and times include regular election analysis on the BBC web site, including the first debate here, the second debate here, and the third debate right here. I have appeared on the following: BBC Radio Bristol - Steve LeFevre's Election Coverage. 8:35 AM Friday 23 April Talk Radio Europe (800,000 listeners) - Covering both the second debate and body language generally, this is a longer, wide ranging interview with Maurice Boland, who says some outrageous and funny lines. 11:40 AM EST Friday 23 April LBC Radio - Nick Ferrari's Election Coverage. 8:10 AM Friday 16 April BBC Radio Sussex & BBC Radio Surrey 10:10 AM Friday 16 April. I spoke just before Gordon Brown came into the BBC Brighton studio. Listen... 2 MB mp3 File (4 minutes 30 seconds). My Recent Radio Interview on detecting lies With Richard Madeley (of "Richard and Judy") Date: 8 April 2010 I was interviewed on the BBC Radio 2 Drive Time show. The interviewer was Richard Madeley, and we talked how to recognise lying; he admitted that when he lied to his wife, she could always tell. Listen... 5 MB mp3 File (5 minutes 13 seconds). in The National Review "The Importance of Having Multiple Funders in Science" Date: 25 January 2010 issue The National Review is a conservative political journal published in the USA that was originally founded by William F. Buckley. It is often humorous. I take issue with a previous article claiming that American science is better than British science because the US scientific establishment is more entrepreneurial. on the TLC channel and the Discovery Channel USA "Sextistics: Your Love Life" Date: Sunday 14 February 2010. A cheeky show about how love works, with all the funny statistics you could ever need to convince you in Brighton "The Lying Ape" Date: Saturday 27 February 2010. As part of the Brighton Science Festival, Brian King and Harry Witchel unravel the amount of deceit that surrounds us. They show how lies are told by all, from the president to your local second hand car salesman, and advise on the best techniques for spotting a lie in Brighton "Emergence of Body Language" Date: Sunday 28 February 2010. As part of the special day on Emergence, Harry Witchel shows how rapport emerges from social interaction, and why love, negotiation and music work their wonders on our social consciousness. My Most Recent Radio Interviews What does music do to us? Date: 9 May 2009 I was interviewed on BBC Radio Bristol on the Saturday Surgery show. The interviewer was Dr. Phil Hammond, and we talked about why music makes us feel good. Listen... 4 MB mpg File (7 minutes 55 seconds). What makes us laugh? Date: 18 March 2009 I was interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland on the Comedy Cafe show. The interviewer was Janice Forsyth, and the other interviewee was author/comedian/actor Andrew Clover. Listen... 3.3 MB mpg File (6 minutes 55 seconds). I have updated my blog to focus on Places, Events, and Manners It is now called, "The Brighton Angle: Because Nothing in Brighton is Completely Straight" in Cheltenham Five events at the Cheltenham Science Festival Date: Saturday and Sunday 6-7 June 2009. Cars and Pleasure In today’s eco-age driving has become a guilty pleasure. But cars are so much more than a means of getting from A to B: a sexy design; a sumptuous interior; and the adrenalin-filled thrill of speed are all part of their allure. Scrapheap Challenge presenter Robert Llewellyn, an electric car devotee, joins Dr. Harry Witchel to discuss what it is about cars that gets our motors running. Hair What does your hair say about you? It can reveal health, culture, personality, even your innermost desires. Why are some of us really hairy and desperate to get rid of it, whilst others are lacking and keen for more? Materials scientist Mark Miodownik examines the psychology of hair, Darwin's theory of body painting and other bald facts and overgrown fluff with hirsute physiologist Harry Witchel and follicularly challenged biochemist Terence Kealey. Shop Tactics FREE BEER for everyone. Not entirely true, but it caught your attention didn't it? Advertisers and marketing experts have to be creative about catching our eye and pushing our 'buy' button. Advertising guru Winston Fletcher joins psychologists Harry Witchel and Ian Robertson to explore the psychology of choice, the neuroscience of attention and how brain scanners are allowing advertisers to target their campaigns more effectively than ever before + Scientific Call My Bluff + Another Game Show hosted by Timandra Harkness
Other Highlights 2008: Sixth Form Students - Inspirational Science Lectures at: Westminster School, London (The John Locke Lecture) "The Brain and Unconscious Learning" on Teachers TV I perform an experiment demonstrating unconscious learning called "The Iowa Gambling Task" in London Creative Brains Date: Thursday 12 March 2009. What does creativity look like? Neuroscientists, improvisational musicians and visual artists discuss this elusive process using imaging techniques to help visualise the creative brain. Demonstrations from artists and musicians provide an insight into the creative process in action. Radio Interview Does Gordon Brown really think he saved the world? Date: 11 December 2008 I was speaking on LBC (formerly London Broadcasting Corporation) Radio's Morning Show about that slip of the tongue Gordon made. Listen... 1.6 MB mpg File (3 minutes 20 seconds). at the Brighton Science Festival The Secret Language of Negotiation Date: Saturday 28 February 2009. Is there a science to negotiating a deal? How does your body language influence the other side? From primates gathering food to keeping everyone happy at work, negotiation is everywhere. How do you recognise when the other side is about to crack, and how can you distinguish it from a moment before they are about to walk away from the table? Dr Harry Witchel uses science and audience participation to demonstrate the ins and outs of negotiation, which is at the very core of our daily lives, not just with our businesses, but with children, friends, strangers and partners as well. Lie Detector Test - Video on-line (3 mins) For MySpace.com click
here
(compressed but works on all computers) Kelly Sotherton is a British Olympic athlete who won a Bronze medal in the Heptathalon in Athens in 2004 and is tipped to win gold in Beijing. She is also known for speaking her mind and being confident. In this video I test out her confidence by subjecting her to a lie detector test. The video was featured as video of the day on MySpace.com on 14 August. in St. Louis Dr. Witchel's 7 Rules of Dating Dates: Friday 10 October and Saturday 11 October 2008. Scientists have contemplated gravity and delved into quantum physics. Now, science turns to some of the truly perplexing questions: 'Can I seduce a woman by making her laugh?' or 'Why hasn't he called?' Comedienne Timandra Harkness consults psychophysiologist Harry Witchel for scientific tips on better relationships, using sophisticated experimental equipment and audience volunteers. Learn the hidden logic that underlies all human love. Cost: $7 ($5 concessions) in St. Louis Body Language Laid Bare Date: Sunday 12 October 2008. Is it possible to tell whether somebody is lying just by looking at them? How do some people seem to transmit an air of command that others feel compelled to respond to? And can you tell whether somebody fancies you before you take a chance on talking to them? Dr. Harry Witchel is your guide through the fascinating world of non-verbal communication, where decoding the hidden messages in appearance, tone of voice, facial expression, and subtle movements makes it possible "to hear between the lines." Cost: $7 ($5 concessions)
in Liverpool at the BA Festival of Science Comedy Cabaret: The Science of Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll Date: Sunday 7 September 2008 Dr Harry Witchel, Dr Graeme Jones and Dr Mark Lewney drag you down the slippery slope of the rock star lifestyle to hilarious and bizarre discoveries about your three favourite vices. From brain scanner sex, to stoned neuroscience and rock guitar physics, you will learn all the science you will ever need to "stick it to the Man" and end up in rehab. For over 16 years of age only The Body Language of Negotiation Date: Sunday 21 October 2007. What does it take to negotiate a deal? How does your body language influence the other side? How do you recognise when the other side is about to crack, and how can you distinguish it from a moment before they are about to walk away from the table? Dr Harry Witchel uses science and audience participation to demonstrate the ins and outs of negotiation, which is at the very core of our daily lives, not just with our businesses, but with children, friends, strangers and partners as well. at the Brighton Science Festival Body Language and Dating: Date: Friday 29 February 2008. Do first impressions really determine what people think of you? Nonverbal communication is so much of the story about what happens when people go on a date, yet most people cannot put their finger on exactly how it makes things go right or wrong. In this interactive session Dr Harry Witchel of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School demonstrates the power of the subtle movements of rapport as well as the simple movements that turn a chat up line into a friendly conversation. By being able to transmit the signals you want, you can spend more time with the people you want and make the conversations more fun. Cheltenham Science Festival 2007 I appeared in several events at the 2007 Cheltenham Science Festival, including: Learning to Loaf Date: Thursday 7 June 2007. Regency Casino. Date: Saturday 9 June 2007. Ever wondered how card sharks hustle or poker players use 'tells'? Richard Wiseman shows how to get lucky, Harry Witchel, Big Brother psychologist, describes how to read your opponent and mathematician Marcus du Sautoy helps you factor the odds. Can science improve your chances of a win? A must for all budding James Bonds! Dr Witchel's Seven Rules of Dating. Date: Sunday 10 June 2007. Internet Dating Date: Tuesday 5 June 2007. Create a profile, upload a picture, write a witty yet lovable blurb and you're away – thousands of potential dates waiting for you... But how do people communicate without body language? And how do you write the perfect profile? Harry Witchel is joined by journalist and author Jennifer Cox as he explores the world of internet dating. 'The use of Antipsychotic Medication and Sudden Cardiac Death: the Formulation of a Life Saving Guideline' Date: Wednesday 25 April 2007. As part of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust conference on Cardiotoxic Effects: the Cardiotoixic Effects of Antipsychotic Medication, I will be delivering a formal lecture for Consultants, Registrars and Advanced Nurses. The Brain: The Learning Brain. Date: Thursday 19 April 2007. This four minute short film shows Dr. Harry Witchel demonstrating unconscious learning occurring - that is, learning something without being told what you are learning, and not being certain that you have learned anything, yet the body responds in a new way that must have been learned. This is a brief example of the Iowa Gambling Task, made famous by Antonio Damasio. The 100 Most Annoying Pop Songs We Hate to Love Date: Saturday 31 March 2007. Cabaret: Science of Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll! Date: Sunday 18 March 2007 Dr. Harry Witchel, Dr. Graeme Jones and Dr. Mark Lewney drag you down the slippery slope of the rock star lifestyle to hilarious discoveries about your three favorite vices. Not suitable for those with delicate sensitivities. Ages 16+ Body Language: Non-verbal Communication Laid Bare. Date: Saturday 17 March 2007 Dr. Harry Witchel, Big Brother psychologist, TV scientist and writer, opens your eyes to the secrets of body language that you may be missing! Hear fantastic new research about how body language affects the interactiosn you have everyday, and find out exactly when it comes in useful. A fun, interactive mix of explanations, videos and demonstrations on what boy language reveals about what's happening in a person's mind. A lecture at the Biophysical Society’s Annual General Meeting - "The hERG K+ Channel: Update on Structure, Function and Safety". Date: Friday 2 March 2007. This is a talk for specialists in the hERG field. It is part of "Drug Discovery for Ion Channels VII". Body Language: Non-verbal Communication Laid Bare. Date: Friday 16 February 2007. Is it possible to tell whether somebody is lying just by looking at them? How do some people seem to transmit an air of command that others feel compelled to respond to? And can you tell whether somebody fancies you before you take a chance on talking to them? Dr. Harry Witchel is your guide through the fascinating world of non-verbal communication, where decoding the hidden messages in appearance, tone of voice, facial expression, and subtle movements makes it possible "to hear between the lines." Public Thesis Defence: "Pharmacological activation of the hERG channel - a new antiarrhythmic principle?" Date: Friday 9 February 2007. I will be one of two examiner's at a public defence in support of a Ph.D. thesis. This thesis has resulted in 4 well-received publications already, and another two papers are planned based on the work, so the science should be excellent. I have never examined a thesis in Denmark before, so I do not know how accessible the event will be to non-scientists. The material being defended is very specialised to the hERG field, but the event is definitely a public event, and non-scientists (e.g., the candidate’s friends and family at least) will be in attendance. I presume it will be in English. The Dana Centre - "What Makes Us Laugh?". 29 November 2006. Advanced Night-School on the Science of Pleasure. This advanced course involves a mixture of lecturing on the brain, reliving some classic scientific experiments, and working with therapy based techniques for practical tips on increasing one’s experience of pleasure. It contained advanced material and is attended primarily by persons on my previous courses and lectures. The BA Festival of Science (Exeter) - "X-change with Quentin Cooper". 5 September 2006. National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth - “The Physiology of Big Brother: Stress, Arousal and Lying”. A lecture to ~50 gifted 17-year-olds at a science summer school. The Dana Centre - Speed Dating for Gay and Lesbians. A two-hour event with a 30 minute lecture on body language and 60 minutes of speed dating for gay and lesbian members of the general public. Watershed (Bristol) Tunnel Vision Series - "How to really detect lies told on television". Part of art and science collaboration (SciArt) programme. London Science Museum and Dana Centre for the Brain - "The Body Language of Love". 14 Feb 2006 and again 22 Feb 2006. Oxford University (Modern Art Oxford, with the Department of Astrophysics) - "Body language and detecting lying – art and science: a response to Jem Finer's sculpture 'the Centre of the Universe'". This lecture was part of a series of lectures celebrating the completion of Jem Finer's year as artist in residence at Oxford University's Astrophysics Department. Each lecture brought in an expert of a diverging discipline to give their response to Finer's work. Birmingham Future - "The Truth about Body Language". With Dr. Andrew Bass and Paul Clusker of BassClusker Consulting Birmingham futures is the organisation for young business professionals (esp. accountants and lawyers) in Birmingham (it is the part of Birmingham Forward for professionals under 35). We demonstrated as part of its personal skills development series. In this 90-minute event we presented our contrarian view about Body Language as presented by the "Comic Book" body language books. We base our interpretation upon the original research. A variety of personal development exercises were included. Debating Matters. I judged a local heat of a competition at Hanham High School between four high school debating teams. The question debated was: "Embryonic stem cell research is good — agree or disagree". 11 October 2006. Fame Lab 2006. I was a judge at the second Fame Lab. 11 March 2006, at Life in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Fame Lab. I was a judge for the first-ever Fame Lab. Fame Lab is a national competition to find the best new talent for Science Presentation to the Media; the winner receives £2000, a programme on channel 4 television, and a lecture tour set up for them. Contestants could be teachers, technicians, government workers, or anyone in science; most of the contestants were between 25-45 years of age. Judging was extremely high pressure, with 43 three-minute presentations being judged in a morning by a panel of three judges; we were on stage in front of an audience almost continuously, and we were allowed to confer amongst ourselves only once per hour for 5 minutes. The BA Festival (Norwich) - "The Beautiful Brain". I was the host of an entire day of neuroscience presentations by seven academics at the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) festival. As host, I was responsible for the entire day, also making sure that presentations were on time and went well, and encouraging questions and answers at the end, which was incredibly active. Biosciences Federation - "Life Sciences Career Conference 2005". 5 Nov 2005. Dana Centre for the Brain, London Museum of Science - "Making Sense: experiencing the world around us". This three hour event with one hundred attendees and three simultaneous events. As MC my functions were to introduce the speakers and events (without notes), to run a large roving question-and-answer session at the end of the event, and to keep people entertained and circulating throughout. Improvement process. I organised a 90 minute group activity entitled "How do we reconcile excellence and efficiency in teaching?" This process involved soliciting and discussing suggestions, assessing them in small groups, and then voting as a department. This was part of an initiative by a new head of department to find improvements for our departments already excellent teaching (Bristol University was recently rated # 1 in Physiology by the Times). The Cheltenham Science Festival - "Music and Film with David Puttnam". 8 June 2005 When the Cheltenham Festival asked me if I would like to present an event about 'Music and Film' with Oscar award-winning director David Puttnam (Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, The Killing Fields, The Mission, Local Hero), I thought things could not get any better. But we were also joined by composer Howard Blake, who composed the soundtrack for the animated film "The Snowman". The event involved a series of short film clips and discussion with the audience on how music contributes to the film and its effects on the audience. I came up with a demonstration of how TV advertisements can use sound to create powerful effects that specifically work at the level of the unconscious mind. The Royal Society - "The Hollywood Science of Spiderman". 26 November 2003 This was a plenary lecture for the Genetic Futures National Forum, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA. It was meant as a 'reward lecture' for ~100 specially selected young people from throughout the UK. Sponsors of the lecture included MRC, Royal Society, the BBSRC, DFES, DTi and NESTA. Pittsburgh SciTech Spectacular - "Pow! The Science of Superheroes". Oct 2006 How do you make an interactive and fun science event that teaches young people about gene transfer technology and is perfect for young people from age 11 all the way to 17? Superheroes come to the rescue again! Timandra Harkness and I collaborated to make a unique 'show' — more than a lecture, it was an experience. We did six of these, and on the Wednesday we had an audience of almost all 12-13-year-olds, the most discerning/demanding audience; they were cheering and yelling so loudly that Timandra and I both thought we were going to go deaf. The Cheltenham Science Festival - " The Subjective Experience of Time". 7 June 2003 I have been presenting science at the Cheltenham Festival since its inception, and for the first two years they asked me to do lectures on their festival theme. The second year of the festival the theme was "time", and the psychology, brain chemistry and physiology of time and how we perceive it made for a fascinating show. More... Please also see: My television and radio appearances. My articles and interviews, many of which are availabel to read online. My upcomming events. |
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Copyright © 2007 Dr. Harry Witchel. |
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