Speaker Slam® is the speaking competition for adults with a story to tell. Ten speakers, five minutes each, on one Toronto stage. The best of the year return for the Grand Slam Finals to compete for a prize package valued up to $50,000 and the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.
Every competition follows the same format. Ten speakers, five minutes each, one theme, scored live. Built to surface the year's most powerful speakers.
Ten speakers selected per qualifier. A diverse lineup of voices, every show.
Each speaker has five minutes to deliver their speech. Tight timing forces clarity.
Every competition has a theme. Speakers craft an original speech around it.
Four industry judges score each speech across six categories. Highest score wins.
Speaker Slam® is different from school programs, debate tournaments, or club-based oratory contests. This is a competition for adults who already have a story and want to use it.
Most speaking competitions focus on rhetoric, argument, or club-based skill building. Speaker Slam® focuses on personal stories that move people.
| Speaker Slam® | Toastmasters | TEDx Talks | Debate Tournaments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Personal story competition | Speech contest, multi-round | Idea-driven talk | Argument vs opponent |
| Length | 5 minutes | 5 to 7 minutes | 12 to 18 minutes | Varies, often 7+ min |
| Audience | Adults with a story | Club members, wide range | Curated speakers | Students, competitive |
| Top Prize | Up to $50,000 | Title only | No prize | Trophy, varies |
| Career Outcome | Paid speaking, media, TEDx | Communication skills | Speaker visibility | Argument, advocacy |
Speaker Slam® doesn't compete with these formats. It serves a different purpose for a different audience.
Five themed qualifiers run between January and September. The top two from each earn a spot at the year-end finale at CBC Glenn Gould Studio.
Submit your application for one or more themes that match your story. Selected speakers are notified weeks ahead of the event with full preparation guidance.
Take the stage at Lula Lounge in Toronto with nine other speakers. Five minutes. One theme. Four judges. Two of you advance to the Grand Slam Finals.
Write a brand-new speech around a surprise theme revealed at the finals. The top three speakers earn the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.
Four industry judges score every speech across six categories. The format rewards both story and delivery.
Every Speaker Slam® competition is backed by a prize package donated by industry leaders. The Grand Slam carries the highest stakes in the inspirational speaking world.
Each themed qualifier awards a prize package to the top speaker, plus advancement to the Grand Slam Finals for the top two.
The top three Grand Slam speakers earn the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year. The top prize package is the largest in inspirational speaking.
Five qualifiers run between January and September at Lula Lounge. The Grand Slam Finals close out the season at CBC Glenn Gould Studio in November.
Lula Lounge. 1585 Dundas St W, Toronto
An intimate 200-seat venue in Toronto's west end. Doors at 6:00 PM, show at 7:00 PM. Five qualifiers run from January through September, each with its own theme.
CBC Glenn Gould Studio. 250 Front St W, Toronto
The biggest night of the Speaker Slam® calendar. A premium downtown theater, 14 of the year's best speakers, and the highest stakes in inspirational speaking.
Applications for upcoming competitions are open. Submit yours today and our team will be in touch about the next steps.