📝🎙️ Kenyan Youth Journalism and Debate Club

1. The 5 W's and H

Every good journalist knows to ask these questions:

• Who? (Who was involved?)
• What? (What happened?)
• When? (When did it happen?)
• Where? (Where did it take place?)
• Why? (Why did it happen?)
• How? (How did it happen?)

2. Types of Articles We'll Write

• News Reports: Cover local events, school happenings, and community news
• Features: Write in-depth stories about interesting people or topics in Kenya
• Opinion Pieces: Share your thoughts on important issues affecting Kenyan youth
• How-To Guides: Explain how to do something in easy-to-follow steps
• Interviews: Talk to local leaders, artists, or changemakers and share their stories

3. Journalism Ethics

As journalists, we have a big responsibility. We must always:

• Tell the truth and report facts accurately
• Be fair and balanced in our reporting
• Respect people's privacy
• Protect our sources when necessary
• Admit and correct our mistakes

1. Structure of a Debate

A typical debate in Kenya has these parts:

• Opening Statements: Introduce your team and your stance
• Arguments: Present your main points with evidence
• Rebuttals: Respond to the other team's arguments
• Cross-Examination: Ask questions to the other team
• Closing Statements: Summarize your position and why you should win

2. Building Strong Arguments

A good argument has three parts:

• Claim: What you believe
• Evidence: Facts that support your claim
• Reasoning: How the evidence proves your claim

3. Debate Etiquette in Kenya

Good debaters in Kenya always:

• Address the chairperson as "Mr./Madam Chair"
• Use formal language like "Honorable opponents" or "Distinguished judges"
• Speak clearly and confidently
• Use facts and logic, not emotions
• Stay calm, even when disagreeing
• Thank the judges and opponents after the debate

1. Verbal Communication

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
• Use appropriate volume - not too loud, not too soft
• Practice proper pronunciation and enunciation
• Vary your tone to keep your audience engaged
• Use pauses effectively for emphasis

2. Non-Verbal Communication

• Maintain good eye contact with your audience
• Use appropriate facial expressions
• Stand or sit with good posture
• Use hand gestures to emphasize points, but don't overdo it
• Be aware of your body language - it should match your words

3. Active Listening

• Pay full attention to the speaker
• Show you're listening through nodding and facial expressions
• Ask clarifying questions when needed
• Provide feedback and summarize what you've heard
• Avoid interrupting or finishing others' sentences

4. Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

• Practice deep breathing exercises before speaking
• Visualize yourself succeeding
• Know your material well
• Start with smaller audiences and gradually increase
• Remember that it's okay to make mistakes - everyone does!

1. Structuring Your Argument

A well-structured argument in Kenya typically follows this format:

• Point: State your main idea clearly
• Explanation: Elaborate on your point
• Example: Provide a relevant example, preferably from a Kenyan context
• Link: Connect your argument back to the motion

2. Addressing the House

In Kenyan debates, it's important to use proper forms of address:

• Start with "Mr./Madam Chair, honorable judges, worthy opponents, ladies and gentlemen..."
• When referring to your team, say "We on the proposition/opposition believe..."
• When countering, say "The honorable opponents have stated... However..."

3. Airing Points Effectively

To make your points clear and impactful:

• Use clear signposting: "My first/second/third point is..."
• Emphasize key words: "It is CRUCIAL to note..."
• Use rhetorical questions: "How can we, as Kenyans, ignore this issue?"
• Include relevant statistics or quotes from Kenyan experts

4. Example Argument

Here's an example of how to present an argument in a Kenyan debate:

"Mr. Chair, honorable judges, worthy opponents, ladies and gentlemen. We on the proposition firmly believe that increasing investment in renewable energy is crucial for Kenya's future. Firstly, Kenya has abundant renewable resources. The Great Rift Valley provides immense geothermal potential, while our position on the equator ensures ample solar energy. Secondly, renewable energy can boost our economy. For example, the Lake Turkana Wind Power project has not only provided clean energy but also created numerous jobs for local communities. Lastly, embracing renewable energy aligns with Kenya's commitment to combat climate change, as outlined in our Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement. Therefore, we urge the house to support increased investment in renewable energy for a sustainable and prosperous Kenya."

1. Community Newsletter

Create a monthly newsletter covering all the exciting events and achievements in our local community. You'll write articles, take photos, and even design the layout!

2. Youth Radio Show

Produce a weekly podcast or radio show about issues that matter to Kenyan youth. Take turns being the host, reporter, and guest!

3. Debate Tournament

Organize and participate in a debate tournament on current issues affecting Kenya. Research topics, prepare arguments, and compete with other schools.

4. Investigative Journalism Project

Work in teams to investigate and report on a local issue, like environmental conservation or education access in your community.

5. Public Speaking Workshop

Organize a workshop to help other students improve their public speaking skills. Share tips, lead exercises, and provide constructive feedback.