By Talon McKee
Dean Ornish has chosen an interesting topic to share with his audience at the TED Talks presentation and also his mass audience online. His topic covers a simple introduction to a rising problem that has spanned across the globe and has its roots firmly planted in the present day culture of America. The overall goal of his presentation is not to firmly sway the listeners to act, or to confidently inform the audience of the issue. Instead he approaches the topic as simple-and-to-the-point. From this method he has the ability to spark interest in the audience, and hopefully cause them to second guess their current outlook on American culture and to further pursue their understanding of this issue.
In the three or so minutes that Ornish presents his topic he is able to cover the basis of the problem and to suggest important focus on solutions. The issue of the American diet, as described by Ornish, is a sweeping trend that is making its way to many corners of the planet. With the spread of this American diet the unhealthy consequences are making their way onto several countries’ problem boards. The American diet embodies the excessive consumption of food that is less than healthy, cheap and fast. Problems associated with such a luxurious diet include hypertension, diabetes, cardiac arrest, etc. These issues are becoming a major factor in many countries across the world. And with the rate of obesity increasing there appears to be no relief in the foreseeable future. Two thirds of all adults in America and 15% percent of children in the US are overweight. Ornish expresses concern that for the first time in history our children may not outlive their parents.
With such a rising problem Ornish suggests that there is in fact a solution that can help completely reverse the effects of poor diet that the world is experiencing. He suggests a simple change of lifestyle and diet that focuses on consuming healthy food and taking part in healthy activities. With a change in one’s lifestyle there is substantial evidence supporting lasting healthy effects in one’s spanning lifetime. But there is one major problem that rises with this solution: How do we get the American people and the people of the whole world to change their lifestyle for the better? Ornish does not provide the answer to this important question but he has succeeded in provided the all important factor of intrigue in his audience. Hopefully with this intrigue he has aspired people to direct their focus on to changing for the better.
Ornish does not provide an impressive or very compelling presentation on his topic. But I do feel that he has succeeded in informing the audience of the problem. And hopefully those that become intrigued will follow this topic and continue research outside of the presentation. For a simple, short and to the point presentation, Cornish has succeeded in presenting his topic and covering his basis; what more can you ask of in a three minute presentation?
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