Choose one of the following speeches that interests you. You should listen and watch this speech closely because you will be discussing the speech's rhetorical context.
• "What Streaming Means for the Future of Entertainment" https://www.ted.com/talks/emmett_shear_what_streaming_means_for_the_future_of_entertainment. (opens in new window): a speech by Emmett shear, co-founder of Twitch about why so many people watch other people play video games online
• "Are Athletes Really Getting, Faster. Better, Stronger?" https://www.ted.com/talks/david_epstein_are_athletes_really_getting_faster_better_stronger. (opens in new window): a speech by David Epstein that attempts to answer questions about why contemporary athletes break so many records
• "My Identity is a Superpower--Not an Obstacle" https://www.ted.com/talks/america_ferrera_my_identity_is_a_superpower_not_an_obstacle. (opens in new window): a speech by America Ferrera, an actress famous for roles in Ugly Betty, Real Women Have Curves, and Superstore about her early struggles to get cast as a Latina in Hollywood
• "Work Is Not Your Family" https://www.ted.com/talks/gloria_chan_packer_work_is_not_your_family_sep_2022. (opens in new window): a speech by Gloria Chan Packer, a mental health advocate, about the dangers of blurring lines between our professional and home lives
• "How Video Games Can Level Up the Way You Learn" https://www.ted.com/talks/kris_alexander_how_video_games_can_level_up_the_way_you_learn. (opens in new window): a speech by Kris Alexander about what educational design can learn from video games
• "When AI Can Fake Reality, Who Can You Trust?" https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_gregory_when_ai_can_fake_reality_who_can_you_trust. (opens in new window): a speech by Sam Gregory, an expert in Artificial Intelligence, about the social challenges we face because of advanced generative AI.
Provide a brief analysis of your chosen speech. Specifically, you might address the following points of discussion:
- Who is the specific intended audience of the piece? Discuss everything you can discern about the audience of the piece based only on the content of the piece. How old are they? What is their worldviews? What are their education levels? Note that the intended audience extends beyond the people in the room.
- What agenda/ message/ purpose does the writer/ speaker have? Can you locate a single sentence in which the writer/ speaker articulates their overall purpose?
- What are the limitations of the medium of this piece? In other words, what limitations exist in the fact that this is a speech delivered with the option of including visuals?
- What might change if the speech were, instead, a magazine article or even a podcast? In other words, what would this same message look like if it were being communicated in another medium?
Analysis of "What Streaming Means for the Future of Entertainment" by Emmett Shear
1. Intended Audience
The intended audience for Emmett Shear's TED Talk, "What Streaming Means for the Future of Entertainment," appears to encompass a diverse group of individuals who are interested in the evolving landscape of entertainment, particularly through digital platforms. Based on the content of the speech, we can infer that the audience likely includes:
- Age Range: The audience is likely to be younger, primarily consisting of millennials and Gen Z, who are more familiar with streaming services and online gaming culture. This demographic often consumes content through platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and other streaming services.
- Worldview: The audience likely has a progressive worldview, embracing technological advancements and the shift from traditional media to digital platforms. They may believe in the democratization of content creation and distribution, valuing community engagement and interactivity.
- Education Levels: The audience is probably well-educated, as TED Talks generally attract individuals with some level of higher education or professional experience in relevant fields such as technology, media, and entertainment.
Overall, the speech targets a tech-savvy audience interested in understanding how streaming is reshaping entertainment and culture.
2. Agenda/Message/Purpose
Emmett Shear's primary agenda is to illustrate the transformative power of streaming technology in redefining entertainment consumption and content creation. He emphasizes how platforms like Twitch enable not just passive viewing but active participation in entertainment.
A sentence that articulates his overall purpose is: “Streaming has turned entertainment from a one-way street into a two-way conversation.” This statement encapsulates his aim to convey how streaming technologies allow for interaction between creators and audiences, leading to new forms of engagement.
3. Limitations of the Medium
The medium of a TED Talk presents certain limitations:
- Time Constraints: TED Talks are typically limited to 18 minutes or less. This constraint necessitates that speakers condense complex ideas into easily digestible segments, potentially oversimplifying intricate subjects.
- Visual Dependency: While visuals can enhance understanding and retention, they can also distract from the spoken message if not used judiciously. In Shear’s case, relying heavily on visuals might divert focus from his verbal explanations.
- Audience Engagement: The live audience's reactions can influence the speaker's delivery and pacing. However, this can also lead to moments where the speaker may cater too much to immediate audience reactions rather than presenting a more nuanced argument.
4. Alternate Mediums: Magazine Article or Podcast
If Shear's message were communicated through different mediums, such as a magazine article or a podcast, the delivery and reception would vary significantly:
- Magazine Article: A written format would allow for more detailed exploration of concepts. Shear could include statistics, case studies, and quotes from industry experts to substantiate his claims. The article would permit readers to engage with the content at their own pace, allowing for deeper reflection on the implications of streaming technology. Visuals in an article could enhance understanding but would not play as central a role as in a speech.
- Podcast: In a podcast format, Shear could utilize conversational tones and interviews to create a more informal exploration of the topic. This medium allows for extended discussions and the integration of sound effects or music that could enhance the narrative. The auditory nature of podcasts can create a personal connection with listeners but lacks the visual impact that might help illustrate complex ideas.
In summary, regardless of the medium chosen to convey Shear's message about streaming and its impact on entertainment, each format presents unique strengths and limitations that shape audience engagement and comprehension.