Freelance journalist and editor, Kehinde Ogunyale @Prof_KennyJames participated in recent online training on Water resources by @SurgeXMedia @SurgeAfricaOrg He shares highlights of the insightful session.
SurgeXMedia is an initiative of @SurgeAfricaOrg that bridges the gap between community impact and climate news to amplify the widespread of climate data in Africa.
The session was facilitated by the founder of Nextblue , Joep Janssen , who spoke on developing stories about water resources and the environment.
After recounting several experiences, Janseen said issues on water could include climate change (which is a natural occurrence) and environmental factor (which could result from flooding, waste disposal, poor drainages etc).
He also noted that story writing across water issues are like a roller-coaster that includes the following:
- Setting up the story idea and foundational issues
- Inciting incidents
- Raising actions
- Climax
- Falling incidents
- Resolutions
Number 3 to 5 would emphasise in-depth analysis on the impact and effect of the sufferings of residents who are affected by the water rise, level or stagnancy as the case of write up might be.
How to make the story compelling
- Know your audience
- Have a core message
- Be authentic to build trust
- Structure your story
He also answered questions on how to relate data with the story to compel an effect. He said if the data is not available, the human angle could make a good focus.
