North America's Largest Inspirational Speaking Competition

ONE SPEECH CAN
CHANGE YOUR LIFE

10 speakers. 5 minutes. 1 stage. Live in Toronto. Our speakers have gone on to TEDx talks, book deals, paid speaking careers, and national media. Your story could be next.

See How It Works
10 Years
On Stage
1,000+
Speakers Launched
$10,000
Prize Per Qualifier
200+
Live Audience

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 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.

Our speakers have gone on to secure paid speaking gigs, deliver TEDx talks, sign book deals, receive media coverage, create viral content, and launch movements that have touched countless lives.

Why Compete

6 Reasons to Compete at Speaker Slam

Step into the spotlight and share your message with the world. Our competition is the launchpad you need to propel your speaking career and become a changemaker.

Reason 1: Make Your Message Matter
Your story deserves to be heard. This is your chance to clarify your message, step into your truth, and let it land with the people who need it most.
Reason 2: Thrill of Competition
There is nothing like the rush of competing on a live stage. Push yourself to bring your absolute best and experience what it feels like to leave everything up there.
Reason 3: Credible Panel of Judges
Our industry judges come from media, speaking bureaus, and viral content platforms. They donate prize packages worth up to $10,000 and open doors that matter.
Reason 4: Move on to the Grand Slam
The top 2 speakers from each qualifier advance to the Grand Slam Finals at CBC Glenn Gould Studio, competing for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year and a prize package worth up to $50,000.
Reason 5: Build Your Personal Brand
Walk away with a professional video, stage photos, and marketing assets that position you as an Award-Winning Inspirational Speaker. Your brand gets built the moment you take the stage.
Reason 6: Leverage Your Success
Our speakers have gone on to secure TEDx talks, book deals, paid speaking gigs, media features, and viral videos. One speech really can change everything.
Season 10 Themes

Upcoming Competitions

Each competition is built around a powerful theme. Your story doesn't have to be about the theme directly, it just needs to connect. If one of these resonates, that's your sign.

May 26
The Road Less Traveled
For the people who didn't follow the script. Maybe you turned away from a sure thing to chase something unknown. Maybe you built a path no one understood at the time. These are the stories that speak to courage in quiet places.
● Now Accepting Applications
Jul 21
Identity
Who are you at your core? Share the story of how you discovered, reclaimed, or redefined your sense of self. Whether through culture, family, passion, or personal growth, your story can inspire others to embrace their truth.
● Now Accepting Applications
Sep 15
Reinvention
Life changes us, and sometimes we choose to begin again. Share how you transformed after loss, failure, or endings. Tell us how you shed an old identity and stepped into a new version of yourself.
● Now Accepting Applications
Your Journey

How the Competition Works

1
Apply to Compete
Submit your application for a theme that resonates with you. If you're a suitable candidate, we will reach out to schedule a call.
2
Selection & Confirmation
Upon being chosen, your participation is confirmed once the competition fee is paid by the specified deadline.
3
Team Meeting
Meet your fellow competitors 8 weeks prior to the event to understand the competition's expectations and format.
4
Write & Rehearse
Develop a compelling 5-minute speech based on the theme, adhering to our judging criteria. Allocate ample time for rehearsal.
5
The Competition
Take the stage at Lula Lounge in Toronto before 4 industry judges and 200 guests, competing for a prize package valued at up to $10,000.
What to Know

Contest Details & Rules

Contest Details

  • 10 speakers deliver a 5-minute prepared speech on the theme
  • The best speech wins as evaluated by 4 industry judges
  • Prize package valued at up to $10,000 including $2,000 cash
  • Top 2 speakers advance to the Grand Slam finals in November
  • All competitions are held at Lula Lounge in Toronto, Canada

Speech Rules

  • Time limit: 5 minutes and 30 seconds maximum
  • Exceeding the time limit results in point deductions (1 point lost for every additional 5 seconds)
  • Props are allowed
  • Music is not permitted where technical setup is required
Every Competitor Gets

What You Get

When you compete at Speaker Slam®, you walk away with far more than stage time. Here is everything included in your competition experience.

🎤
Competition Entry
Create a buzz for yourself in the speaking community. You will be showcased on stage in front of a live audience of 200 people, including 4 industry leader judges.
Priceless
🎬
Professional Speaker Video
An edited multi-angle video of your speech that you can be proud of and leverage for future speaking opportunities after the event.
Valued at $1,497
📸
Stage Photos
Professional photos of you on stage from a professional photographer to use across your brand and marketing materials.
Valued at $397
📣
Speaker Marketing Pack
Marketing assets including posters and videos provided before and after the competition to help you build your brand and tell your story.
Valued at $297
📚
Brand Builder Speaker Success System
Learn what it takes to craft award-winning speeches with our course. Access tools, frameworks, and strategies used by our top speakers.
Valued at $297
📊
Post-Competition Feedback
Receive your scores and feedback from the judges as well as a full assessment from Rina Rovinelli. Invaluable information to learn and grow.
Valued at $147
🎓
6-Month Momentum Membership
2 monthly classes focused on building your brand and network, developing paid speaking skills, a speaker certification program, and free tickets to Speaker Slam.
Valued at $997
⭐
Be Seen by Industry Leaders
We bring industry experts, connectors, and influencers to judge the event. We want our speakers to make powerful, meaningful connections by competing.
Priceless
🏆
Win a Prize Package Up to $10,000
Prizes include coaching packages, video and photo services, TV and magazine exposure, marketing assistance, and $2,000 in cash.
Up to $10,000
🏅
Prestige and Recognition
You become an Award-Winning Speaker that can proudly display this logo on your social media, one-sheet and speaker reel as a marker of credibility.
Priceless
🔥
Top 2 Invited to the Grand Slam
The top speakers of the year return to face off in the Inspirational Speaking Finals for a prize package valued at up to $50,000. Are you the next Inspirational Speaker of the Year?
Grand Slam Prize: Up to $50,000
Your Investment

Everything You Get When You Compete

One competition entry. Everything you need to take the stage, build your brand, and walk away with a professional speaking asset you can use for years.

Competition Entry
Competition Experience
$2,997
The full competition experience with everything you need to take the stage and build your speaker brand.
  • Compete live at Lula Lounge in front of 200+ people and 4 industry judges
  • Professionally edited multi-angle video of your speech
  • Professional stage photos
  • Speaker marketing pack (posters and videos)
  • Brand Builder Speaker Success System course
  • Post-competition feedback and scores from judges
  • 6-month Momentum Membership
  • Level 1 Speaker Certification
Tell Us Your Story

Payment plans available.

Don't Take Our Word For It

What Our Speakers Say

★★★★★
"I'm a very competitive person. I don't like losing and that made me not sure about entering. The thing is, between the video and the industry contacts you'll make, even if you don't win, you still win."
Michelle Weger
Michelle Weger
Productivity Expert & Tech CEO
★★★★★
"I was hesitant as well. You're thinking the investment is too significant, but there's a reason why you have to bet on yourself. The opportunity to invest in yourself and hold yourself accountable has completely changed the entire trajectory of my speaking career."
Charles Achampong
Charles Achampong
Keynote Speaker & Bestselling Author
★★★★★
"Competing at and winning Speaker Slam® was the beginning of my brand. Since participating, I have authored a best selling book, partnered with national non profit organizations, created nationally recognized awareness campaigns and built a speaking career working with educational institutions, corporate groups and international nonprofit organizations. Speaker Slam® helped me transition into a new career by providing me opportunities, guidance and support."
Mike Shoreman
Mike Shoreman
Mental Health Educator
★★★★★
"Speaker Slam® was one of the best experiences I've had. It was a perfect way to get on stage, build momentum in my career and get great videos and pictures! I even landed multiple media appearances. I'm now a full time professional speaker and it all started with Speaker Slam®."
Lindsy Matthews
Lindsy Matthews
Professional Speaker
★★★★★
"In just a short time, I have achieved so many amazing goals, including winning the Speaker Slam® competition. I've also had the opportunity to be featured on multiple media outlets, including The Social, CHCH, CP24, and Windsor local media. If you are thinking of joining this incredible community, don't wait."
Danielle Campo McLeod
Danielle Campo McLeod
Paralympic Gold Medalist
★★★★★
"Since then, I've been coached and supported by the judges, appeared on TV and podcasts, started writing my book, got selected for a TEDx talk, landed on the stage of Archangel Summit, and secured two new speaker bureau collabs. If you dream of stepping on stage, sharing your story, and creating change, Speaker Slam® is the place to make it happen."
Martin Lespérance
Martin Lespérance
Inspirational Speaker of the Year
★★★★★
"I went from the gorgeous stage at Lula Lounge in Toronto where I won the Grand Slam to sharing the stage with Dragon Den's Arlene Dickinson at the Archangel Summit and Drake's music video producer Director X at the Top Ten Event. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity."
Joze Piranian
Joze Piranian
Inspirational Speaker of the Year
★★★★★
"Through their competitions and events, I've been inspired to propel my speaking career to new heights, leading to opportunities for TEDx talks and media exposure. Thank you to the whole Speaker Slam® team for your brilliant work and for fostering a community of growth, empowerment, and transformation."
Ven Virah
Ven Virah
Speaker Slam® Competitor
★★★★★
"Because of Speaker Slam® and the first talk I gave, one performance led to an introduction to a judge, which led to an introduction to an agent. Now so many wide open doors in the speaking space are taking place because of that one introduction. One speech really can change your life. It's really built my confidence and helped me to stand in my power."
Meagan O'Nan
Meagan O'Nan
Professional Speaker
★★★★★
"Being part of the Speaker Slam® family has opened up a ton of opportunities for me. I am now being seen on media across global stages, writing magazine articles. I'm officially a paid and booked speaker. Working with Dan as my publicist has gotten me gigs that I couldn't have even dreamed of. They are the Dream Team."
Calissa Ngozi
Calissa Ngozi
Professional Speaker
★★★★★
"Becoming an infamous speaker was all launched by the extraordinary Speaker Slam®. Being on their stage started with getting a chance to share a story and through their phenomenal business savviness they connected me to the world. I got viewed approaching 100 million times, with at least 65 million of those trackable directly to Speaker Slam®. I cannot say enough about the authenticity and heartfelt warmth of a genuine interest in driving and thriving their extraordinary leaders."
Unstoppable Tracy
Unstoppable Tracy
International Award-Winning Speaker & Decorated Athlete
★★★★★
"Speaker Slam® has changed my life. I had never spoken publicly before and now I'm at the Grand Slam. For someone like me who wants this to be my career, it's amazing that I already have a portfolio. The videos, the photos. It puts me ahead tenfold. If you're thinking about it, don't think. Just do."
Maya Woronicz
Maya Woronicz
First-Time Speaker → Grand Slam Finalist
★★★★★
"This was the first time I was able to speak publicly. Never did it before. It's really broken a different side of me, found something within me that I can share with others. If you really want to get into the speaking industry there is no better place to go than through Speaker Slam®. The connections, their history, their knowledge. You can't even put a price on it."
Scott Ferron
Scott Ferron
Grand Slam Competitor
★★★★★
"The opportunity I got right off the bat was a first paid gig, which is amazing. That's what everybody wants as a speaker. Speaker Slam® is a launching pad. It gives you that belief that you belong on the stage."
Patrick Morrison
Patrick Morrison
Mindset Coach & Speaker. First Paid Speaking Gig
Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need speaking experience to compete?

Not at all. Some of our most memorable performances have come from first-time speakers. Speaker Slam® is built around the power of personal story, and that is something everyone has. Our judging criteria rewards authenticity, message clarity, and the ability to connect with an audience, not polish or presentation technique. If you have a story worth sharing and a message that can move people, you belong on our stage. We meet you where you are and work with you to bring out the best of what you have.

How are speakers selected?

Every application is reviewed personally. If your story is a fit for the theme you selected, we will reach out to set up a call. From there, if it feels like the right match, we will confirm your spot. We aim to respond within a few business days.

Do I need to be based in Toronto?

No. Speakers travel from across Canada and the United States to compete. The competition takes place at Lula Lounge in Toronto, and speakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation. Many speakers tell us the trip itself becomes part of the experience.

Can I compete more than once?

Absolutely. Many of our speakers come back season after season, each time with a new story or a deeper version of the one they first shared. Each speaker competes once per season, but returning in a new season is always an option. Each season is a new opportunity to grow, challenge yourself, and build on the momentum you created before. For some, coming back is about redemption. For others, it is about raising the bar they already set. Some of our most impactful performances have come from speakers returning with a completely different level of confidence.

Where does the competition take place?

Our in-person competitions take place at Lula Lounge in Toronto, Canada. Speakers travel from across North America to compete.

How do speakers use their Speaker Slam® experience?

In more ways than you might expect. Some speakers come to compete and leave with a TEDx invitation. Others use their stage video to land their first paid speaking gig, get picked up by a speaker bureau, or finally have the proof they needed to start pitching media. Coaches and entrepreneurs use the experience to generate fresh visibility and attract new clients. Authors use it to build momentum around their book. Some speakers have gone on to win awards, appear on national television, launch movements, and build full-time speaking careers. The competition is the catalyst. For many speakers, it's the moment their journey goes to the next level.

Is there a fee to compete?

Yes. Competing at Speaker Slam® is an investment in your speaking career. The competition package starts at $2,997 and includes your competition entry, a professionally edited multi-angle video of your speech, stage photos, a speaker marketing pack, post-competition feedback from the judges, and a 6-month Momentum Membership. Additional services are available to add for coaching, video production, and publicity. Payment plans are available.

What makes Speaker Slam® different is that the competition is just the launch point. The real value is in the process. From the moment you are confirmed, you are working on your story, building your brand, and developing the tools you need to get booked and paid. You walk away with professional assets, real stage experience, and momentum that carries well beyond the event. Our speakers don't just compete, they launch.

What if I don't win?

Getting booked as a speaker requires proof. Event organizers want to see you on stage before they put you on theirs. A professionally edited video and stage photos are not optional extras, they are the foundation of a speaking career. Competing at Speaker Slam® is how you build that foundation while doing something real. You are in front of a live audience of 200 people, on a professional stage, with a full production crew capturing every moment. For speakers, coaches, authors and entrepreneurs who are already building something, it is also a powerful way to generate fresh energy around your brand, get in front of new audiences, and reconnect with a community that amplifies what you are doing. Whether you take home the trophy or not, you leave with assets, visibility, and momentum that keep working for you.