#7: Selling my topic
The issue that I have decided to pursue is the decline of honey bees. This topic is not just about helping bees. It is about the future of our crops and the plant ecosystem. I believe that nature’s problems are everyone’s responsibility. We all should work to solve the issues of the planet. Responding to the natural problems is important because neglecting to do so threatens our future. One way to protect nature is to take action to create change.
In the past winter, 35% of honey bees in honey bee colonies were lost, compared to two winters ago when 21% were lost. The honey bee deaths are rising at an alarming rate. This issue is known as colony collapse disorder (CCD). The exact cause of CCD is unknown, but there are many theories, such as malnutrition, mites, neonicotinoids (a pesticide), and genetically modified crops with pest control attributes.
There are many efforts that have been made to stop CCD. Among them is Bee the Change, a local organization founded by Mike Kiernan whose object is to introduce hives and plants to solar array fields. Scientists and beekeepers are also very involved in helping the bees survive.
This topic is an interesting and important one. It is especially interesting because the cause is unknown. If you are interested in this topic, you should consider joining me in this issue. You could be a part of finding out why the bees are dying. I might continue with this topic, or, on the other hand, if I see another topic that seems more interesting than this topic, I might join that other topic.
Click here to see slides.
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Featured Image courtesy of devopstom
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Hey Zachariah, thanks for an informative and convincing pitch! You make this really persuasive with specific statistics, as well as a look at the big picture. You demonstrate this topic’s importance and stakes effectively. I also like your slideshow – the graphics are great and contribute to understanding and enjoyment of the presentation. If I were you, I would add a few sentences to hook the reader at the beginning, perhaps an anecdote or a look at what the future would be like without bees.
All in all, this is an excellent job and I hope you get the support you need with this really important topic!
Zachariah,
This is really awesome Zachariah. I knew that the decline in honey bee population was serious, but I didn’t know that it was life and future threatening. So I think the quote from Einstein was really helpful. That quote alone makes your pitch more strong and convincing. I also like those stats you put in about the decline. That also makes it very helpful for us readers to see the big picture.
I also really like the slides. The graphics are very helpful for your peers to understand, visually, the consequences of this issue. This is a job well done! Good job! I can’t wait to hear your pitch at the retreat. I’m with Anna on this one, I hope you get the support you need for this issue.
Until next time!
-Bryce