Van Jones gave a presentation about the economic injustice of plastic pollution. He was able to engage the audience by telling relatable stories and explaining the complex topic of air quality simply. While the presentation was well done overall, it could have been improved by incorporating more stories as suggested by Nancy Duarte. Stories help build an emotional connection with the audience.

1. VAN JONES
The Economic
Injustice
of Plastic

2. • Van Jones was able to instantly grab peoples
attention once he started talking about a topic
that could potentially affect everybody. He
was able to speak very fluently and seemed
very comfortable.

3. Keeping audience engagement?
• Van Jones adds some humor to his
presentation to maintain engagement with
the audience. He also tells a story that can
everyone there can relate to due to being in
the same state.

4. • Van Jones does a
great job at making
a complex topic
very plain and
simple. He
educates people on
what is happening
with the air quality
in a very
understandable
manner.

5. • I would give Van Jones a 4 out of 5 on the
dynamism scale.

6. • I chose to give Van Jones a 4 because I think
he could have added more to his presentation.
If he incorporated more stories into his
presentation, I believe it would make a big
difference and make his presentation much
better.

7. • Nancy Duarte stresses the
importance of stories in a
presentation. Stories help
build and maintain an
emotional connection
between the presenter and
audience.

8. • Van did incorporate some stories into his
presentation but I feel as if there could have
been more. I found the stories he told to be
be quite powerful and meaningful.

9. What did I learn?
• After watching Van
Jones’ presentation, I
learned about how the
quality of the air is being
affected by the
production, usage, and
disposal of plastic
products. I also learned
how certain aspects of a
presentation can make a
very dramatic
difference.

10. • Van Jones’ presentation made it clear to me
how all the aspects of a presentation are
important. I noticed he talked very fluently
and remained calm. He knew very much
about his topic and was able to explain it
easily. He seemed to have very high
professional integrity and presented a great
speech.

11. Compared to Sir Ken
Robinson
I enjoyed Sir Ken Robinson’s
presentation more than Van
Jones’. Even though Van Jones’
presentation was exceptionally
well done, Sir Ken Robinsons
placement of stories, humor,
facts, and opinions made his
presentation more enjoyable for
myself.

12. • Van Jones could have
used more stories to get
his point across. I also
feel as if he could have
engaged with the
audience just a little
more. In the end it was a
great presentation but I
would declare Sir Ken
Robinson the winner.

13. Tips for the class
• Make sure you have
a really good
understanding of the
topic you are
presenting. If you
know a lot about the
subject, the
presentation should
be quite easy.

14. • Aside from understanding your topic, it is a
wise idea to make sure your presentation is
well planned. From the lighting to your outfit,
everything matters. If you have a well
planned presentation, you look and act
professional, you will be taken more seriously.

15. Citations
• http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/food-for-
everyone/van-jones-beyond-the-politics-of-
confrontation
• http://www.dumblittleman.com/2011/09/how-to-stay-
on-taskevery-day.html
• http://testyyettrying.blogspot.com/2012/09/speech-
rating-scale-two-versions.html
• http://www.beyourownit.com/blog/the-importance-
of-educating-consumers/
• http://middle-aged-diva.blogspot.com/2011/05/best-
advice-on-life-ever.html
• http://maxkaizen.com/ted-x-spark-catches-in-joburg/