Patience Mthunzi: Could we cure HIV with lasers?

                In March 2015, Patience Mthunzi gave a speech addressing a possible cure for HIV at the TED2015 conference. Mthunzi proposed the idea that health institutions should look into lasers to treat HIV instead of using antiretroviral pills. Thus, her goal was not only to persuade her audience but to educate them as well. As a laser scientist she was able to credibly show how using lasers to administer the drugs was more efficient compared to the pills. Ultimately, it appeared that  she was successful in educating and persuading her audience. Her delivery was lacking in some aspects, so it was mostly her having a very susceptible audience and the content of her speech that she was successful.

                I believe if Mthunzi had delivered this speech in front of another audience it might not have been as easily accepted. Therefore, delivering this at a TED conference was a very smart decision. TED stands for technology, education, and design. Thus, her audience consisted of individuals that are interested in these topics. Her speech was heavily infused with technology due to her technological background as a laser scientist. So, her audience was very inclined to actively listen and receive her speech.

The content of Mthunzi’s speech was fascinating and educational. She was able to logical appeal and credibility throughout her speech which strengthened it greatly. The audience was able to follow because the speech was organized logically. She arranged it in a way that her evidence and arguments flowed into the next. Although the speech lacked an emotional appeal, she structured it in a way that the absence of emotional appeal was not overly obvious. The content of her speech was strengthened by the visuals she was able to display and explain throughout her speech. The content of her speech positively affected the somewhat lackluster delivery.

A picture of Mthunzi delivering her speech.

As I previously stated, the delivery of the  speech left bittersweet impression on me. Her speech was informative and interesting but if her delivery had been more enthusiastic and charismatic it could have been considered amazing. Yet, her posture and sense of calm were quite enviable. She lacked in vocal variety, gestures, and enthusiasm. Mthunzi came across as very cut and dry. At times shes eemed as if this was protocol for her and not very passionate. If she had let a little enthusiasm or humor in her speech it would have benefitted greatly.

Overall, the speech succeeded in informing me and persuading me. It left me wanting find out more about how laser science can be used to cure HIV. However, it did not make me want to listen to the speaker again. As previously stated, the content was interesting and influenced the audience but the delivery was not up to par. If the delivery was better I would definitely want to listen to Mthunzi again.

Patience Mthunzi’s speech, “Could we cure HIV with lasers?”, can be found at http://www.ted.com/talks/patience_mthunzi_could_we_cure_hiv_with_lasers#t-5341