JCI PUBLIC SPEAKING CLUB sponsored by Grant Thornton: Hot Air Balloon Debate

Ever find yourself stuck for something to say? Struggling to answer questions or get your point across? Then this training is for you!

During the session you will be arguing your case to stay on an overcrowded hot air balloon… can you convince the judges to save you? This fun, interactive session will help you develop strong debate skills to utilise in your professional life. 

We’ll also let you know more about JCI debating and opportunities to compete nationally and internationally. Last year JCI Manchester made the UK final and team captain, Rachael Shah, credits this experience with preparing her for MP hustings! 

Speaker bio:

Ilona Alcock, Employer Liaison Consultant, University of Salford

Ilona has been an active JCI member since 2011 and was President of JCI Sheffield in 2014. Highlights of her JCI career include making the European finals of both debating (2014) and public speaking (2016), launching the JCI UK Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards and winning European awards for two local projects, one of which was also shortlisted globally.

In her day job, Ilona works at the University of Salford to create employment opportunities and career insights for students and graduates. Having held a diverse range of roles in the past – everything from Commercial Litigation Solicitor in the world’s largest law firm to running a bespoke software development company with her husband – Ilona has a gained a real insight into what makes different businesses work.

Since losing a friend to suicide in August 2015, Ilona has become a passionate advocate for mental health issues. Last year she ran two trail marathons for Mind, and climbed the national three peaks for Anxiety UK. She is hugely proud of the work JCI Manchester has done to put a spotlight on mental health and looks forward to continuing to support this initiative.