The Australian Insurance Law Association is calling for applications for its annual Ron Shorter Award, a public speaking competition for young professionals in the insurance industry.
The award is open to those aged 35 and under. Applicants should apply online before 28 April 2023 and nominate an insurance-related topic on which they propose to speak, if selected to participate. There is no fee to enter.
Thirty applicants will be chosen to attend a free 90-minute live online public speaking training workshop with AILA’s training partner, the Australian Institute of Management (AIM), on 19 May 2023.
Participants will join AIM and AILA representatives for 90 minutes on 2 June 2023 to give a two-minute presentation on their selected topic.
Three finalists will be chosen to progress to the live final in Sydney on 23 August 2023 and receive an additional six hours of intensive training with AIM.
At the final, competitors will speak for 10 minutes on their topic before a panel of judges and live and online audiences of industry professionals.
The first prize is $1,000, second is $500 and third $250.
AILA National President Cameron Roberts, a partner at Thomson Geer Lawyers, said the award meets the increasing demand for online and in-person presentation skills. “Contemporary presenters are expected to hold an audience both online and in person, and the competition has been adapted in 2023 to challenge applicants in both those mediums,” he said.
“The competition provides invaluable training and exposure to industry peers and luminaries for young professionals who are the future of the industry.”
The Ron Shorter Award has benefited more than 500 young insurance professionals since it was established in 2012.
The award honours Ron Shorter, who was Practice Manager at Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers in Sydney until his death in 2012. He was a long-time AILA supporter and inspired and mentored many young professionals. He recognised that confident public speaking was a vital skill for all insurance professionals seeking to advance their careers.
Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers is the award’s gold sponsor. Dever’s List sponsors the first prize.
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