His dissertation on Humour for Leaders involved an analysis of humour to its application, and the need to fit the audience, personalities and the situation. 

He said research shows that both creativity and humour can be improved with training, and that by observing role models and understanding the formula anyone can increase to a degree their ability to observe, create and share humour.

He described a guide for executives on how humour could be effective, while giving examples on the run: 

• “I asked for a pair of hands but didn’t expect a brain to be attached”
• Bill Gates: “I occasionally use a computer but don’t expect me to fix a microwave”
• Barry Humphries: “I can’t stand intolerant people” 

After listening to public speakers, few people can accurately describe the content, but will say if it was funny, made them feel good, or was interesting. They may even say the speaker was likeable or trustworthy.

Michael described how humour releases endorphins, lowers blood pressure, and has beneficial effects on mental health. He indicated there were risks in using humour as it may be misunderstood, and he stressed the need for good timing to allow the audience to follow appropriately and to be authentic and truthful. 

Using an analytical slide, he showed four theories of humour: Benevolent, Incongruent, Freudian and Superiority, without getting bogged down in too much detail.

In a humorous aside, he described how he dressed as a security official at a St Kevin’s reunion, and took details from all who entered: none of his classmates recognised him because of the context of his clothing. 

He left us feeling good, with a comment from Seinfeld: “cleavages are like the sun: staring too long at them can be dangerous”. 

Chairman Charlotte England thanked Dr Valos for his talk, and indicated that funds would go to Australian Rotary Health’s “Hat Day”.

Dr Michael Valos is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marketing in Deakin Business School. Michael has a background in business with positions in the market research industry and the telecommunications industry prior to joining academia. Described as a Deakin University ‘boundary spanning academic’, he facilitates engagement between marketers and rigorous and robust peer-reviewed academic research.He is the winner of a number of academic publication awards, numerous industry articles and author of two Marketing communications textbooks. For over 15 years he has facilitated approximately 12 CMO focus groups per annum comprising the cream of Melbourne’s marketers on key issues.