1. Media release – July 2006
RMIA hosts first stand‐alone CPRM Master Class
Valuing intangible aspects of communication was a key outcome for 35 Certified Practicing Risk
Managers (CPRM) who attended the Risk Management Institution of Australasia Ltd’s (RMIA)
first stand‐alone CPRM Master Class.
The one‐day class in Sydney on July 14 aimed to open CPRM participants’ eyes to the emotional
and behavioural drivers of human communication.
Gai Roper, class facilitator and a director of leadership development company Corporate Spirit,
said the CPRMs learnt that the intangible aspects of communication ‐ the message and the
relationship with the audience ‐ were as important as the content.
“They examined the extent to which reactive emotional states interfere with effective
communication and were encouraged to be more attentive to the effect of their communication on
others,” she said.
The class format was highly interactive. Participants’ “attention and intention” was tested and
they learnt to “maintain poise under pressure and remain steadfast in the face of opposition”.
Ms Roper said the lessons learnt would be beneficial to risk management professionals in their
workplaces.
Patricia O’Brien, a member of RMIA’s education & professional development committee and
master class organiser, said risk managers had to ask themselves: “Did I make the most of this
opportunity to communicate and influence?”
She said the master class was part of RMIA’s commitment to leadership development for CPRMs
as well as improving their technical and analytical risk management skills.
Master class participant Major Stephen Wagener, from the Australian Defence Headquarters, said
he benefited from “going back to basics in communication” and focusing on “ourselves rather
than tools”. The master class gave him improved communication skills and “a new view of
communication from a different angle”. He was confident he would perform his job better once he
practised and rehearsed the skills gained.
Ms Roper said participants learnt to “deal better with stressful situations, communicate clearly
and effectively and create a positive rapport with an audience, whether it be one person in a
powerful conversation or a presentation to an auditorium.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Patricia O’Brien, RMIA Education & Professional Development Committee, phone 0413 745895.
Released by: Kate Tilley, KT Journalism, phone (07) 3831 7500 or 0418 741606.