Do you have the gift of oratory? Do you have the power to captivate your listeners when you speak? Do people actually stop what they are doing and listen attentively to what you have to say when you give your opinion on any matter? Are you someone who desires to speak out on issues that affect your society with the aim of inspiring change?
Well look no further … there’s a new buzz in the air and it’s all about the art and skill of debating. It’s about airing your own views on topical issues while appreciating the logic of another person’s argument whether or not you actually agree. Such is the excitement of the newly conceived “The Debaters” Reality Show – another brilliant concept from the Inspire Africa Project, the creators of the popular TV talk show “Moments with Mo”.
“The Debaters” is a first-of-its-kind television reality show in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for Africans that wholly focused on the art and intrinsic power as well as potential of DEBATE to inspire positive change and transformation. It is a show that will keep you mesmerized with eyes glued to your TV set, week after week as the drama unfolds. It is the first reality show that not only encourages, but actually enables freedom of speech. It is also the first TV show that is specifically provided and designed for both the local and international market (audiences).
It is an innovative show that presents credible, coherent, engaging, educative and informative debates by adults that address topical issues in our society. Although the debates will focus on issues that first and foremost of national (Nigerian) and regional (African) interest, they will also be of international relevance.
Another first that this show can boast of is the fact that it will be the first television show designed to effectively showcase the almost-lost-art of debating by treating it with the seriousness that it deserves. This will inspire the renaissance of the fine art of debating as a strategic tool for effectively addressing the ills of our society and ultimately for the positive transformation of the society, the nation and the entire Continent.
‘The Debaters’ will take viewers on an interesting and griping adventure as they journey with the participants from stage to stage of the show. The audience will be able to view the debating prowess and follow the fortunes of these young, talented and motivated adults and future leaders (all in their twenties) as they discuss the pros and cons of important societal issues as they affect them personally as well as their effect on the society as a whole. Aside from the challenge and thrill of the actual experience of engaging other young, talented, motivated speakers/debaters, week after week, the winner eventually goes home with the title – The Debater of the Year – and grand prize at the end of the show.
Set to debate thought provoking issues for 13 weeks, with each week culminating in a gripping debating session, 14 contestants will reside in the “Talk Academy” where they will be trained by professional speech coaches in the art of debate. Effective communication skills, thought provoking and well chosen words, a strong and charismatic personality, freshness of thought and logic as well as sincerity will help to determine who ultimately walks away with the grand prize.
They will go head-to-head against one another, either as well coordinated teams or spirited individuals as they debate on a wide array of societal issues. Weekly eliminations will be based on a combination of judges’ decisions and viewers’ votes via SMS until only one contestant remains. That ‘bankable’ orator will reign supreme and bear the title of “Debater of the year”.
Sponsored by GTBank, The Debaters will present, via weekly episodes, credible, coherent, adult debates aimed at tackling contentious issues that are relevant to contemporary society, while simultaneously celebrating the gift, skill and potential of oratory as “The Power to Change”.
This unique reality programme that showcases the oratory talents and skills of participants allows them to systematically debate issues and topics that affect us as a people, guided by well-defined rules of engagement including the use of references, factual evidence and credible data – facts, figures, clarity, logic and conviction – to buttress their points
‘The Debaters’ will also be the first show of its kind to actively serve as a voice for the voiceless (the oppressed, destitute, underprivileged and defenseless) in society, with a focus on issues that will transform our nation. Issues such as: LEADERSHIP, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, CORRUPTION, CHILD LABOUR, FEMALE EMPOWERMENT, THE ECONOMY, CONSUMER PROTECTION, REBRANDING NIGERIA, THE NIGER DELTA ISSUE, THE RULE OF LAW, CIVIL RESPONSIBILITY and so on.
These debates will also serve as a creative way to proffer solutions to some of the long-standing challenges we face as a nation. It will encourage young people – generation NEXT and the future of the nation – to take an interest in the issues that affect the nation and to strive to come up with viable solutions / strategies that will secure their future and to make a positive difference.
The show is also designed to help Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to learn the art of active listening, thinking, organizing their thoughts and successfully articulating those thoughts (i.e. speaking) for precise and effective communication that actually engages and influences the listener.
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