ONE SPEECH CAN
CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Unleash Your Inner Changemaker with Speaker Slam®
LET'S INSPIRE THE WORLD TOGETHER
Share your story, inspire your community, and join the ranks of changemakers making a difference in the world.
APPLY TO COMPETEAS SEEN ON
Introducing Speaker Slam:
Your Launchpad to Impact and Success
Are you ready to elevate your speaking career and create a lasting impact?
Speaker Slam® is North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, dedicated to empowering the changemakers and thought leaders of tomorrow.
10 speakers craft a powerful 5-minute speech on a theme, and go heart-to-heart and compete live on stage in Toronto, Canada.
You could win a prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 cash! Plus a chance to move on to the Grand Slam in November to compete against the best speakers of the year for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year!
At Speaker Slam, we empower passionate, heart-centered speakers, authors, coaches, advocates, and entrepreneurs to deliver transformative performances that captivate audiences, build their personal brands, and make a lasting impact.
Our speakers have gone on to achieve incredible successes, such as securing paid speaking gigs, delivering TEDx talks, signing book deals, receiving media coverage, and creating viral content. They've also launched movements and events that have touched countless lives.
Share your life story, inspire your community, and become the voice that sparks change. Join Speaker Slam today and take the first step on your journey to becoming an influential changemaker.
CALLING ALL SPEAKERS!
COMPETE IN OUR
SPEAKING COMPETITION
Our competitions are held in Toronto, Canada
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU TO SPEAK ON OUR AVAILABLE THEMES OF...
Perseverance on July 16th, 2024
Are you ready to inspire others with your story of resilience and unwavering determination? If you've faced significant challenges, endured hardships, and emerged stronger through your steadfast commitment to your goals, we want to hear from you! We believe that Perseverance is about the relentless pursuit of a vision, the unwavering resolve in the face of adversity, and the resilience to overcome every obstacle along the way.
We want to hear from speakers who have done just that - who have navigated life’s toughest storms, remained steadfast, and used their resilience to achieve remarkable outcomes. Share your personal journey of grit, resilience, and triumph, and inspire others to tap into their own inner strength and persist in the face of adversity.
The submission deadline to be considered is May 10th, 2024.
Power of Yes on September 17th, 2024
Are you ready to inspire others with your story of embracing opportunities and transforming your life? If you've said 'yes' to new experiences that challenged you, opened your heart to new possibilities, and ignited a path of growth and joy, we want to hear from you! We believe that the Power of Yes is about the courage to embrace life’s opportunities, to take risks, and to open ourselves to the potential of new and vibrant experiences.
We want to hear from speakers who have done just that - who have said 'yes' to life’s offers and, in doing so, have embarked on remarkable journeys of discovery, growth, and fulfillment. Share your personal journey of saying 'yes,' embracing change, and the transformative power this simple word has had on your life, and inspire others to open their hearts to their own 'yes' moments.
The submission deadline to be considered is July 5th, 2024.
The Underdog on January 28th, 2025
Are you someone who has beaten the odds? This January, share your triumphant story of rising from the shadows to claim victory against all expectations. Speaker Slam invites you to embrace your underdog spirit, demonstrating how resilience and determination can turn the tides in your favor. Whether it was overcoming personal challenges, societal barriers, or professional setbacks, we want to hear how you defied the odds and emerged stronger. Inspire others to believe in the power of perseverance and the heart of an underdog!
The submission deadline to be considered is November 15th, 2024.
Risk on March 25th, 2025
Do you thrive in the face of uncertainty? This March, step up and share your experiences of taking bold risks that changed your life's direction. Speaker Slam seeks adventurers, pioneers, and entrepreneurs who have taken leaps into the unknown and reaped unexpected rewards. Whether it was a career switch, a drastic personal decision, or a creative endeavor, tell us how embracing risk led to remarkable outcomes. Show the world how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to transformative success!
The submission deadline to be considered is January 31st, 2025.
The Power of NO on May 27th, 2025
Have you discovered strength in setting boundaries? This May, Speaker Slam celebrates the empowerment that comes with saying "No." Share your journey of reclaiming time, respect, and personal space by making tough decisions that prioritize your well-being and values. Whether it’s turning down opportunities, distancing from toxic relationships, or declining societal pressures, we want to hear how the power of no has reshaped your life and led to greater authenticity and fulfillment.
The submission deadline to be considered is March 28th, 2025.
Body Beautiful on July 15th, 2025
This July, embrace and celebrate every body's story at Speaker Slam. We're calling on speakers to share their powerful narratives about body positivity, self-love, and overcoming body image challenges. Whether it’s your journey to self-acceptance, battling societal beauty standards, or advocating for inclusivity in fashion and media, inspire others to love themselves as they are and recognize the beauty in diversity. Let's redefine beauty standards together!
The submission deadline to be considered is May 30th, 2025.
Leaders on September 16th, 2025
This September at Speaker Slam, unleash the leader within by embracing all facets of leadership in your life. From guiding your family with love and wisdom to sparking change in your community or innovating in your workplace, leadership is everywhere—and we want to hear your story. Are you the pillar of strength and guidance in your family, helping your loved ones navigate the complexities of life? Have you mobilized your community for a cause you believe in, or championed a transformative project at work?
We're seeking stories of everyday heroes who have assumed the mantle of leadership in surprising, innovative, or profoundly personal ways. Share how stepping up has transformed your life and the lives around you, and inspire others to recognize that they, too, have the power to lead and effect change right where they are.
The submission deadline to be considered is July 18th, 2025.
By participating in Speaker Slam, you have the opportunity to change lives, including your own.
Individually, we may not change the world, but together, we can create powerful ripples of impact that resonate far and wide.
6 REASONS TO COMPETE AT SPEAKER SLAM
Step into the spotlight at Speaker Slam and share your message with the world. Our competition is the launchpad you need to propel your speaking career and become a changemaker.
Make Your Message Matter!
Seize this opportunity to clarify your message for the world, using your voice to inspire, uplift, and empower. Embrace your truth and let yourself be seen and heard!
Thrill of Competition
Let the competition ignite your passion. Push yourself to excel and become the best! Embrace the adrenaline rush and savor the triumph of becoming a celebrated speaker.
Credible Panel of Judges
Our panel of industry judges, experts in their fields, donate a prize package worth up to $10,000 to help you along in your speaking journey. This includes courses, coaching, services, and more.
Move on to the Grand Slam
The Inspirational Speaking Finals where you compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year, alongside the top speakers of the year. Win a prize package worth up to $50,000 and propel your speaking career to new heights!
Build Your Personal Brand
Elevate your personal brand by delivering a powerful speech that reflects your authenticity and uniqueness. Use the power of public speaking to create new business opportunities and expand your reach.
Leverage Your Success
Turn your speech into a foundation for a TEDx talk, a book, a workshop, or a keynote. Showcase your stage video to attract media attention, build a speaker reel, and secure more speaking opportunities.
Hi We're Dan & Rina
Your catalysts for TRANSFORMATION and IMPACT...
We empower people by providing a platform to share their message and inspire the world...
Our platform illuminates the brilliance of our speakers, ensuring their voices are seen and heard...
Our speakers' winning performances have opened doors to life-changing opportunities, elevating and redefining their personal brands while fostering new business opportunities...
Witnessing their success ignite movements and build unstoppable momentum, we ask...
Are you ready to join them?
YES I'M READY!
What People Are Saying
Mike Shoreman
"Winning Speaker Slam changed me forever! It's given my voice a bigger meaning. None of these [successes] would've happened without taking the stage at Speaker Slam."
Marjorie Aunos
"Speaker Slam changed my Life! It gave me a supportive community I am proud and honored to be part of and it made me see a future that I always dreamt of but was too scared and lacked the confidence to achieve on my own!"
Lindsay Rae D'Ottavio
"Speaker Slam was an amazing experience for me, it allowed me to create a powerful speech, and a brand building video that really represented who I am. I was able to use that video as the foundation of my TEDx. This is such a loving and supportive community of individuals who truly exist to inspire and motivate."
HOW DOES THE COMPETITION WORK?
Apply to Particpate
Submit your application for a theme that resonates with you. If you're a suitable candidate, we will reach out to schedule a call.
Selection & Confirmation
Upon being chosen, your participation in the competition will be confirmed once the competition fee is paid by the specified deadline.
Team Meeting
Meet your fellow competitors 8 weeks prior to the event to understand the competition's expectations and format. Let's cheer each other on!
Write & Rehearse
Develop a compelling 5-minute speech based on the theme, adhering to our judging criteria. Ensure you allocate ample time for rehearsal to deliver a polished performance.
The Competition
At the live event in Toronto, 10 speakers take the stage before 4 industry judges and 200 guests, competing for a prize package valued at up to $10,000. Seize the opportunity to shine!
Sam Demma
"I wanted to thank you for providing me with such an amazing platform to spring myself forward in my speaking career. What you have built is truly amazing and It deserves some serious recognition. I have gotten over a dozen speaking engagements, whether that be at high schools, camps, or conferences. And to top it all off just recently I got asked to speak at a TEDx event because of my involvement with Speaker Slam"
Shirin Ariff
"My life has never been the same ever since I first stood up on stage at Speaker Slam. Since competing, I have been speaking at various other speaking events and platforms. I completed writing my book because I was so empowered by the love and appreciation of the community at Speaker Slam."
Armin Shafee
"Ever since I competed in Speaker Slam, my speaking career has absolutely catapulted. I've got to meet incredible people. I've got to perfect my craft from stages. I've even written some of my best award-winning speeches because I was competing in this beautiful competition"
Judging Criteria
The speech will be scored out a 100 points from the following categories:
Message Clarity (25 pts)
- Powerful and meaningful message
- Clear and concise
- Illustrated perfectly by Story
- Unique and worth sharing
Storytelling (25 pts)
- Powerful personal story
- Vivid and descriptive
- Entertaining
- Captivating & holds your attention
Transformative (15 pts)
- Inspiring and Impactful
- Shows a journey and a resolution
- Highlights an evolution for the speaker
- Helps transform the audience
'IT' Factor (15 pts)
- Gives a clear vision of the speaker’s identity
- Star Power
- Unique and creative
Entertaining (10 pts)
- Captivate the audience
- Can be achieved by:
- Props
- Humour
- Inspiration
- Great Writing or performance
Presentation (10 pts)
- Body Language and performance
- Compelling use of language
- Dynamic and captivating
- Vocal variety
- Authentic and natural
Contest Details
- 10 speakers deliver a 5-minute prepared speech on the theme
- The best speech will win as evaluated by 4 industry judges
- Prize package valued at up to $10,000 Prize + $2000 Cash
Criteria to Compete
- Compliance with the timing and format of the event
- Demonstration of good or better speaking skills, which includes the ability to effectively communicate verbally during the competition.
- Pay a $2997 entry fee, applicable upon acceptance.
Speech Rules
- Music is not permitted where technical setup is required
- Props are allowed
- Time Limit: Exceeding 5.31 minutes results in point deductions. For each additional 5 seconds, lose 1 point.
IF ACCEPTED YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY INCLUDES:
Most Commonly Asked Questions?
Where does the competition take place?
How should I approach a theme in the writing process?
I don’t have a story that reflects this theme, or this theme doesn’t resonate with me, should I still compete?
How do I win Speaker Slam?
Is there a fee to compete?
Who competes at Speaker Slam?
