This essay examines a speech by Tristram Stuart about the global food waste scandal, delivered at TEDsalon on May 2012. Tristram is an activist fighting food wastage in the developed world.
He works with many nongovernmental organizations, governments and private organizations to tackle food wastage, hunger, and environmental pollution.
He addressed a Ted talk show audience, with the objective of tackling the global food wastage problem. The speech sensitized the audience on the dangers of food overproduction and cosmetic food standards.
In the speech, Tristram proves how western government’s policies and food standards have contributed to food overproduction.
They directly lead to food wastage. In the process, valuable resources are lost and environmental degradation occurs through deforestation and carbon dioxide emission. He shows how factories, supermarkets, and people waste food without consideration.
His speech is effective, because it connects with the audience and gives them practical ways of avoiding food wastage. Excess food should instead, be used to feed hungry people all over the world.
Tristram makes powerful opening remarks that effectively capture the audience’s attention. His statements spark curiosity and he smoothly introduces his topic. He relates to the audience using real life examples that resonate with the audience. The examples connect him with the audience and people in different parts of the world.
Throughout the speech, Tristram uses strongly worded statements complemented by photographs and scientific data. The photographs make his points real and believable.
They have a big impact in the audience and help move his speech in the right direction. They also help him deliver his main points easily.
He effectively uses demonstration aids to explain complicated ideas. They create interest and hold the audience’s attention.
Demonstration aids helps the audience understand the complicated information easily. By using real life stories and humor, Tristram personalizes his speech. The humor makes the audience laugh.
From the start of the speech to the end, Tristram does not use a script. Using direct eye contact, he easily connects with the audience.
This makes his speech have the necessary impact. It also suggests that he had rehearsed his lines several times, and understands his topic perfectly.
Despite his use of gestures throughout the speech, his body language is poor and he appears tensed. He should relax, and add more energy and enthusiasm during his speech to make it lively. He effectively uses vocal variety to signal the important points.
Emphasis, pauses, and pace signal important points. They show enthusiasm and increase understanding of the major points. He however fails to vary his volume throughout the speech.
Tristram should avoid using complicated tables and figures in his presentation. Not many people can interpret and understand the tables.
Complicated information can make people lose their connection and interest in the speech. He should use a simpler method of delivery to disseminate the complicated information.
His dressing is suitable for the occasion and portrays him as a simple man, concerned for the hungry and the environment. This shows that he is passionate and committed to his work.
Tristram signals his conclusion by use of powerful statements followed by a brief pause. This effectively prepares the audience for his closing remarks.
He concludes with enthusiasm and with a call for everyone to stop wasting food. The conclusion was perfect and powerful.