Talking clearly & visually about plastic pollution

Here is another short presentation on an important topic that combines a rational yet emotional narrative with high-impact graphics to get your attention and make a memorable point. This is another good example of using a flat panel display rather than a projector. The advantages of using a display are that you can keep all of the lights on and there is no beam to shine in your face if you move in front of the screen at times. Dianna Cohen does a good job — with no notes at all — of delivering her story in sync with the visuals. She also does a good job of positioning herself right next to the screen so that both the graphics and she are in the viewer's visual frame. Watch it below or here in TED.




Above: Dianna Cohen uses story, facts, reason, and emotion to make a connection and make her case.

Above: The visuals would have had more impact had they been designed for a 16:9 display instead of in 4:3 (note the large black voids on the sides). Make sure you know the aspect ratio of the screen you will be using ahead of time.

 
Above: Examples of high-impact visuals. The albatross photo is especially illuminating and visceral. The rotting corpse reveals intestines filled with plastic that the albatross consumed, mistakenly thinking it was food. The adult birds feed plastic to their chicks as well, which kills them. You can see many more images like the one above here.

Turning plastic into oil
Here is a story about a man in Japan who goes around the world giving presentations on the idea of turning plastic garbage into useful fuel. Crazy idea? Watch below or on YouTube. Video is in 日本語 with English subtitles.



Related
• Capt. Charles Moore on the seas of plastic