Interview With a Busker
- 2nd Aug 2023
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
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Busking in Space?
Would you believe me if I told you that “busking” is a crucial part of our Discovery team’s workday? I know what you’re thinking; “do they really break out their guitars and subject their poor visitors to renditions of Wonderwall?”
To answer that question, I decided to sit down with three members of our Discovery team to find out more about their busking habits, what it is, and why it is such an exciting part of any visit to the National Space Centre.
So, guys, what do we mean when we talk about “busking”?
Mike: Well, busking is where we take out fun little activities and things that you might not normally get to see during your visit, and we make your time at the Centre even more interactive.
And why do we call it “busking”?
Mike: Actually, it’s quite interesting! So, the term ‘to busk’ originates from more than 2000 years ago, when a man named Jeremiah Busk coined the term after he went out into the street and started shouting facts at pedestrians.
Is that true?
Mike: [Pause] No.
Catherine: Basically, we stand in our galleries with some things that look completely normal and some that look exciting, and we explain what the difference is.
Chloe: It’s where we bring our exhibition to life and show visitors our artefacts and share our space knowledge. It gives people a chance to get hands-on with our collection and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And why do you enjoy teaching people about space so much?
Mike: It’s an opportunity to get into the nitty gritty of why we’re passionate about the subject. We can bring facts, anecdotes, and stories to get people really excited about space.
Catherine: I like it when people see things and they don’t immediately know what they are. It’s always great when you get to watch them work it out.
Chloe: I like to create curiosity in people and be a source of inspiration. As a woman in STEM, it’s important to represent and inspire young girls that visit us.
How did you find your own styles?
Mike: For me it came naturally. I started out by talking about things I personally find interesting about space and went from there. I like to go for a conversational style. Basically, I want people to feel like they’re sat in a pub with me and we’re just having a good old talk about space.
Catherine: Everyone has their own style, I think. You can watch others and see what they do and copy them while you learn how to do it and develop your own style. And then you can choose which bits not to copy.
Such as?
Catherine: [Pause] Mike calls people his “little sniffers” in the Smells of Space busk, which I won’t do.
Why not?
Catherine: It’s weird.
Right... and what’s your style Chloe?
Chloe: I like to be the Knower of All. No conversation is off limits, I want people to be as passionate about space as I am. Hopefully it will inspire the next generation of scientists.
Mike: [To Chloe] Man, you’re making it sound so deep!
Chloe: [Flicks her hair] You haven’t busked with me, babes…
Have you ever been asked a question by a visitor that completely stumped you?
Mike: It happens all the time! We’re space experts, but the thing is there’s a lot to learn about space! No one knows everything and we’re always finding new things out. If I get stumped in front of someone, I just own up to it. Usually they enjoy watching me squirm.
Catherine: Yeah, they definitely enjoy the fact that they stumped you. It’s a nice moment for both of us, it means we all learned something!
Chloe: The big questions get me. Being asked “why does space exist” tends to send you into an existential crisis. Also trying to explain to a 4-year-old what the universe is can be tricky. You have to make it fun and tailor it to each person.
Has anything ever gone wrong during a busk?
Mike: Not so much in busking. That’s more in the other demonstrations we do. We design busks so that things can’t really go wrong. They’re made to be safe and friendly. Although, with the Smells in Space busk you can’t predict how people will react to the smells. Sometime the reactions can be… intense.
What’s the question you wish you’d been asked but never have yet?
Mike: “When are you going to get a full-time show on national TV?”
I see…
Catherine: I want to be asked about Jupiter. Jupiter makes me happy.
Chloe: Same as Mike, people have asked me why I’m not on TV, which is a really nice compliment! Apparently, I have a soothing voice.
If you were to busk in the traditional sense, what song would you choose?
Mike: ‘The Final Countdown’ by Europe. I could tie it in with the heat death of the universe.
Catherine: Ooh, something by Taylor Swift! Maybe ‘Starlight’? That’s kind of starry.
Chloe: Cher! I’d sing ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ by Cher.
Finally, do you have any advice on how to talk in public for people? Or some final thoughts in general?
Mike: Hmm, public speaking. My advice: get stuck in! Anything can be learned and improved. If you’re worried, then don’t be – it’s going to be okay.
Chloe: If you find yourself at the National Space Centre, don’t be scared to talk to us!
Catherine: Yeah, look out for our blue shirts, we have loads of really cool stuff we can’t wait to show you!
You can find Mike, Catherine, Chloe and the other members of our Discovery team in our galleries giving talks about space, live demonstrations and of course… busking!
