Speaker Slam® Announces 2026 Competition Themes for its 10th Anniversary Season

Toronto, ON — Speaker Slam®, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, is proud to reveal its themes for the 2026 season. Entering its 10th year, Speaker Slam continues to champion storytellers, elevate new voices, and create life-changing opportunities for emerging and established speakers.

The Journey to the Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals
Five qualifier competitions will take place throughout the year, with 10 speakers at each event delivering powerful 5-minute speeches inspired by the theme of the night. These competitions give speakers the chance to win a prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 in cash, and secure their spot in the Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals in November. The finalists will return to the stage to compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

The Speaker Slam Competition Themes for 2026:

Against All Odds on January 27th, 2026
Season 10 opens with stories shaped by adversity. We want to hear from speakers who pushed forward in the face of doubt, difficulty, or overwhelming challenges. Share the moments where you rose despite setbacks, proved others wrong, or chose to keep going when the path felt impossible. Your story will highlight the strength found in perseverance.

Breakthrough on March 31st, 2026
Some moments shift everything. Sometimes the change happens slowly, and sometimes it arrives in a single instant. This theme invites you to share the turning point that allowed you to move forward. Whether you found clarity after hardship or stepped into a new chapter after uncertainty, your breakthrough can help others see their own potential for change.

The Road Less Traveled on May 26th, 2026
This theme honors the choice to follow a path that others may not understand. You may have stepped away from certainty, taken a bold risk, or pursued a direction that asked you to trust your instincts over approval. These stories reveal courage in personal decisions and the growth that follows when you choose a different way forward.

Identity on July 21st, 2026
Identity shapes how we move through the world. This July, we explore stories tied to self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal truth. Share how you came to understand who you are, how you reclaimed a part of yourself, or how a defining moment reshaped your sense of identity. Your story can encourage others to embrace their own.

Reinvention on September 15th, 2026
Reinvention often begins after a turning point. This theme invites stories of starting over, shifting direction, or rebuilding a life after endings, loss, or major change. Share how you let go of an old version of yourself and stepped into something new. Your experience can help others see that transformation is always possible.

Wild Card Race: A Path to Redemption in Season 10
Speaker Slam will choose four speakers who demonstrated strong speaking ability, meaningful growth, or significant impact following their competition. This process recognizes speakers who placed high, inspired audiences, or showed consistent momentum throughout the season. Sportsmanship, influence, and resilience will also be considered. The Wild Card Race creates a second chance for standout speakers whose journeys continue to build strength after their first performance. Two will be chosen through public voting, and two will be selected by the Speaker Slam team. This creates a balance between community support and the strength of a speaker’s performance.

Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals on November 21st, 2026
The top speakers from the year will gather at the Grand Slam on November 21st, 2026, held at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio. Fourteen finalists will return to compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year. The event includes the Grand Slam trophy, $2000 in cash, and a prize package valued at up to $50,000. The Grand Slam stands as a celebration of storytelling, growth, and the impact one voice can create.

About Speaker Slam®
Speaker Slam® is a Toronto-based speaker development agency and the home of North America's largest inspirational speaking competition. Since 2016, the organization has supported speakers, changemakers, and thought leaders in sharing their stories and building influential platforms. Speaker Slam has helped launch speaking careers, secure major media opportunities, inspire movements, and create lasting personal and professional transformation. The stage remains a place where individuals can share their truth, connect with community, and spark meaningful impact.

For those interested in participating in the 2026 competitions, application details can be found at [Application Link].

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Dan Shaikh | [email protected]  | Co-Founder & Publicist for Speaker Slam®