Talkfest at Scots College

Retired chief justice of the High Court, Murray Gleeson, and Wentworth MP Malcolm Turnbull will be on the judging panel for this year’s Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition at Scots College on May 14.

Mr Gleeson and Mr Turnbull are both past winners as is another panelist, Max Bonnell, a partner at Mallesons Steven Jaques.

Other past winners include playwright Nick Enright, writer Mungo McCallum and Charles Firth from the ABC’s Chaser. Past winners attending this year’s competition as special guests include former NSW premier, Nick Greiner, radio host Adam Spencer and retired judge Lloyd Waddy.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of this prestigious annual challenge in impromptu public speaking, established in 1935 in honour of Lawrence Campbell, a famous teacher of elocution in Sydney.

Each of the Great Public Schools (GPS) and Combined Associated Schools (CAS) in NSW enter one representative, and candidates speak for eight minutes on one of three topics provided 15 minutes beforehand.

Dr Ian PM Lambert, principal of Scots College said the event showcased the schools’ most talented and well-spoken speakers.

“It is a truly valuable experience for all those taking part. The College is honoured to host the milestone 75th anniversary of this event which aids our schools to showcase tomorrow’s leaders,” Dr Lambert said.