The Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA) has extended its Ron Shorter Memorial Public Speaking Competition for young insurance professionals to Victoria.

The competition has been running in NSW since 2012. Applications for the inaugural Victorian contest are now open, for candidates aged 35 or younger.

AILA National President Sue Vidler says having the skills and confidence to speak publicly is essential.

“At some point in their career it’s inevitable young professionals in the insurance industry will need to speak publicly, whether it’s to four or five people, or 400 or 500 people,” she told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Ron Shorter, a practice manager at law firm Colin Biggers & Paisley (CBP), was devising a public speaking competition for young insurance professionals at the time of his death in 2012.

The NSW chapter of AILA decided to introduce the award in his honour later that year.

“Ron inspired and mentored many young professionals during his career,” Ms Vidler said. “Before he died he conceptualised this competition and we are very proud to now offer it in Victoria after its fantastic success in NSW.”

Applicants must submit a 250-word summary outlining why they would benefit from public speaking coaching, and a brief description of the topic on which they would speak if selected.

Applications close on May 1. A maximum of 20 people will be selected to attend a public speaking workshop with Polaris Coaching in June.

At the end of this, applicants will make two-minute presentations and three finalists will be selected to attend a second coaching session in July to prepare to talk at the grand final on July 30 at the offices of CBP.

The winner will receive the Ron Shorter trophy, a $500 Westfield voucher and the chance to speak against the NSW winner at the AILA National Conference in Melbourne in October.

Applications can be sent to Cheryl Asquith at caa@cbp.com.au.