Youth parliamentarians benefit from course in public speaking

Youth parliamentarians were exposed to the “Art of Public Speaking” facilitated by the Cacique Toastmasters Club, during day four of the fourth annual Youth Parliament on Monday.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to three of the five mentors who are preparing the students for the August 15 and 16 sessions. Dominic Clerk, who was Prime Minister during the second Youth Parliament in 2016, explained that the students were exposed to techniques they can use during the deliberations, and in the future, depending on their career path.
Ruth Wilson, Youth Shadow Minister of Natural Resources during the third annual Youth Parliament in 2017, said: “I think they did well because after the presentation they asked the children a few impromptu questions and so they had

to elaborate on the topic or questions.”
Youth Parliament provides an active learning platform where students not only learn to speak on social issues but are also exposed to other non-academic areas. Shawn Shewram, Youth Shadow Minister of Public Infrastructure during the second Youth Parliament in 2016, explained the tour provided supplemental education to the students where they would learn about the logistics of Parliament.
Mya Kendall, Youth Shadow Natural Resources Minister, said that the public speaking session was motivating and would help her to channel her nervous energy and walk proudly since she would get nervous during public speaking.
Kendall, of The Bishops’ High School, is one of 72 youths from secondary schools across the 10 administrative regions and from the University of Guyana (UG) participating in the event.
Asaad Abdool, Youth Public Security Minister, said that he was not a good public speaker, but he was able to grasp some techniques that he would use during his presentation. Abdool is a student of the Rosignol Secondary School, Region Five.
Youth Minister of Business Kezia Albert, a student of the Port Kaituma Secondary School, Region One, explained that she was grateful for the experiences she was gaining. “I didn’t really know about the Parliament. Now that I know, and I differentiate the difference between the National Assembly and Parliament, I can now go back to my school and educate my peers.”
The annual event is being held from August 10 to 18 under the theme, “Our Generation, Our Voice: Inspire, Encourage, Impact.”