SPEAKER SLAM NEWS

Speaker Slam®'s 2026 Wild Card Race: 10 speakers compete for 4 spots at the Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals. Vote for your favourite speaker September 22 to 23, 2026 at speakerslam.com/vote.

Dan Shaikh and Rina Rovinelli, co-founders of Speaker Slam®, have been named finalists for the Kindness in Business Award at the 2026 Kindness Circle Awards Gala, October 16th in Markham.

The theme for the 2026 Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals is Catalyst. Fourteen of the year's best speakers take the CBC Glenn Gould Studio stage on November 21st, 2026. Tickets are live.

A full recap of Reinvention, the final competition of Speaker Slam®'s 10th anniversary season, held September 15th, 2026 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Dr. Japji Anna Bas took first place.

From a comped bar in Toronto in 2016 to North America's largest inspirational speaking competition and the Momentum Speakers agency: the evolution of Speaker Slam®, told from its own archive.

Speaker Slam announces its 2027 competition themes for Season 11: The Comeback, Perseverance, Fearless, and The Awakening. Grand Slam Finals November 20 at CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto.

Speaker Slam® is now accepting applications for The Comeback, the opening competition of Season 11. Taking place February 23rd, 2027 at Lula Lounge in Toronto, this theme invites speakers who got back up after everything told them to stay down to share the return that shaped their life.

The judging panel for the final competition of Season 10 has been announced. Nicole Servinis, Joze Piranian, Cristina Carpio, and Darius Bashar judge Reinvention on September 15th at Lula Lounge in Toronto.

Ten speakers. 5 minutes each. One theme: Reinvention. Meet the voices taking the stage at Lula Lounge on September 15th, 2026 for the final competition of Speaker Slam®'s 10th anniversary season.

A full recap of Identity, the fourth competition of Speaker Slam®'s 10th anniversary season, held July 21st, 2026 at Lula Lounge in Toronto.

The judging panel for the 4th competition of Season 10 has been announced.

10 speakers. 5 minutes each. One theme: Identity. Meet the bold voices taking the stage at Lula Lounge on July 21st, 2026

In June 2026, in its 10th year, Speaker Slam® pulled back the curtain on its evolution and what it was building next: Momentum Speakers, the agency built on a decade of the competition.

Nadine Zeinoun Khoury took first place at Speaker Slam®'s The Road Less Traveled competition with a powerful message about the defining moments that test our character and shape who we become. The event brought a dynamic group of speakers to the stage at Lula Lounge in Toronto, each sharing deeply personal stories of courage, truth, and choosing their own path.

The judging panel for the third competition of Season 10 has been announced.

10 speakers. 5 minutes each. One theme: Road Less Traveled. Meet the bold voices taking the stage at Lula Lounge on May 26th, 2026

Speaker Slam® is now accepting applications for Identity, the fourth competition of our 10th anniversary season. Taking place July 21st at Lula Lounge in Toronto, this theme invites speakers who have done the hard work of knowing themselves to share the moment that changed how they see who they are.

Story. Credibility. Positioning. Offer. The exact structure behind every winning speaker pitch, and why most speakers get the order completely wrong.

Most speakers confuse their life story with a speech. A story is not a timeline of everything that happened. Here is what it actually is, and how to find yours.

The missing piece in most inspirational speeches is not the story. It is the identity shift. Here is what the identity shift is and why it is what actually wins rooms.

Most pitches lose the room before they even begin. Here are the five mistakes that kill your pitch immediately, and what to do instead.

A practical guide to keynote speaker fees in Canada. Learn what emerging, established, and expert speakers charge, and exactly how to move up the fee scale.

A step-by-step guide to becoming a certified professional speaker in Canada. Learn the exact pathway from your first story to your first speaking fee, including what certifications matter and how to build a bookable brand.

Learn exactly how event planners find and hire speakers for corporate events in Canada. What assets you need, how to pitch, and why most speakers never get the call.

The exact formula for writing an inspirational speech that moves audiences. Start with the message, not the story. Learn the framework behind North America's largest inspirational speaking competition.

After working with hundreds of speakers and dozens of corporate clients, we know exactly what tips a booking decision. It is rarely the speech itself. Here is what actually matters.

Your positioning statement is the foundation of your entire speaking business. Learn the exact formula to write one that gets you booked, with real examples from working speakers.

Vaughan entrepreneur Pierre Mousseau, President of High Energy Transport Inc. and author of From the Ashes, won first place at Speaker Slam® Breakthrough 2026 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. He shared the loss of his 20-year-old son Parker and the moment that nearly cost him his own life. He advances to the Grand Slam Finals in November. Featured on CTV News Toronto.

Montreal keynote speaker, mindset coach, and former circus artist Sofranie Trencia placed second at Speaker Slam® Breakthrough 2026 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. She shared the story of falling 30 feet from aerial silk at the world's largest circus festival, getting back up, and winning a bronze medal the next day. She advances to the Grand Slam Finals in November.

Pierre Mousseau took first place at Speaker Slam®'s Breakthrough competition with a powerful talk on resilience after the loss of a son. The event brought 10 speakers to the stage at Lula Lounge in Toronto, each sharing deeply personal stories of courage, growth, and change.

The judging panel for the second competition of Season 10 has been announced.

10 speakers take the stage at Speaker Slam® Breakthrough 2026, March 31 at Lula Lounge Toronto. Featuring Karen Craggs, Sofranie Trencia, and more.

Plane crash survivor, professional skateboarder, and youth pastor Dave Jonsson took first place at Speaker Slam® Against All Odds, the 10th anniversary season opener at Lula Lounge in Toronto. He advances to the Grand Slam Finals in November.

Maryland-based keynote speaker, employment psychologist, bestselling author, and military spouse Dr. Sujata Ives placed second at Speaker Slam® Against All Odds 2026 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Her finish made her the top-placing U.S. competitor at the event. She advances to the Grand Slam Finals in November.

Dave Jonsson wins 1st place at Speaker Slam's Against All Odds 2026. Dr. Sujata Ives 2nd, Andrew Daye 3rd, Neil Donaldson 4th. Judges: Anna Sinclair, Kevin Bourne, Amanda Cupido, Bobby Umar. Season 10 opener, Toronto.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Against All Odds 2026: Anna Sinclair (WXN Top 100), Kevin Bourne (SHIFTER), Amanda Cupido (Soundwave Summit), Bobby Umar (LinkedIn Top Voice). Prize package worth $10,000+. January 27, Toronto.

Meet the 10 speakers at Speaker Slam's Against All Odds 2026: Tony Albrecht, Dr. Japji Anna Bas, Neil Donaldson, Dr. Sujata Ives, Andrew Daye, David Blaser, Mark Salatino, Michelle Goldrick, Dave Jonsson, Chrislyn D'Sylva Pires. January 27, Toronto.

Michelle Weger wins 2025 Inspirational Speaker of the Year at Speaker Slam Grand Slam. Charles Achampong 2nd, Rimshah Ahmed 3rd. Judges: Evan Carmichael, Stu McLaren, Angie Seth, Gordon Breault, and more. CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto.

Michelle Weger wins Speaker Slam® Grand Slam 2025, named #1 Inspirational Speaker of the Year and the first competitor in event history to take the stage with a service dog.

Speaker Slam announces 2026 competition themes for its milestone 10th anniversary season: Against All Odds, Breakthrough, The Road Less Traveled, Identity, Reinvention. Grand Slam Finals November 21 at CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto.

Meet the 8 judges for Speaker Slam's 2025 Grand Slam: Gordon Breault, Breanna Xavier-Carter, Jacqueline Clements, Anne Marie Perrault, Kat McMorrow, Angie Seth, Evan Carmichael, Stu McLaren. Prize package worth $50,000+. CBC Glenn Gould Studio.

Meet the 14 finalists at Speaker Slam's 2025 Grand Slam: Jenni Cathcart, Pat Doyle, Ivan Fredette, Regula Fischer, Rimshah Ahmed, Patrick Morrison, Charles Achampong, Inga Tkachenko Ramage, Bethelene Hart, Robert Alexander, Michelle Weger, Aanchal Vash, Vivian Meraki, Patti Bevilacqua.

Robert Alexander wins 1st place at Speaker Slam's Leaders 2025. Jenni Cathcart 2nd, Aimee Mack 3rd, Inga Tkachenko Ramage 4th. Judges: Camille Dundas, Simon Ostler, Klaudia Zinaty, Zarak Fatah. Lula Lounge, Toronto.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Leaders 2025: Camille Dundas (ByBlacks, IDEA Practice), Simon Ostler, Klaudia Zinaty (Women Empowerment Awards), Zarak Fatah (The PATH). Prize package worth $10,000+. September 16, Toronto.

Meet the 10 speakers at Speaker Slam's Leaders 2025: Dean Correia, Nadee Fernando O'Driscoll, Inga Tkachenko Ramage, Heather Coleman, Robert Alexander, John McGraw, Aimee Mack, Lalita Dixit, Emily Branton, Jenni Cathcart. September 16, Toronto.

Patrick Morrison wins 1st place at Speaker Slam's The Underdog 2025. Bethelene Hart 2nd, Rimshah Ahmed 3rd, Michelle Weger 4th. Judges: Tara Slone, Jennifer Ettinger, Jodie Davis. Lula Lounge, Toronto.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's The Underdog 2025: Jennifer Ettinger (Pink Dreams Inc.), Tara Slone (SiriusXM, NHL), Jodie Davis (ET Canada). Prize package worth $10,000+. July 15, Toronto.

Meet the 10 speakers at Speaker Slam's The Underdog 2025: Micha Edwards, Saurabh Malpani, Karen Craggs-Milne, Samantha Kinoshameg, Bethelene Hart, Tania Chomyk, Michelle Weger, Rimshah Ahmed, Patrick Morrison, Victor Lopez. July 15, Toronto.

A full recap of The Power of No, the third competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2025 season, held May 27th, 2025 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Vivian Meraki took first place.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2025 Power of No competition: Jason Reid, Robb Gilbear, Priya Sam, and Tami Adams. May 27th at Lula Lounge in Toronto.

Meet the 10 speakers competing at Speaker Slam®'s "The Power of No" on May 27, 2025 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Lacey Artemis, Paula Johnson, Alessia Di Cecco, Danielle C. Baker, Craig Colby, Vivian Meraki, Patti Bevilacqua, Liz Jakoi, Katie Faloon-Drew, Ivan Fredette.

A full recap of No Risk, No Reward, the second competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2025 season, held March 25th, 2025 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Charles Achampong took first place.

50,000 First Dates, the documentary following Speaker Slam®'s 2019 #2 Inspirational Speaker of the Year Nesh Pillay after a traumatic brain injury erased much of her memory, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Speaker Slam® footage appears in the film.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s "No Risk, No Reward" competition on March 25, 2025 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Judges: Stephanie Lui-Valentim, Jay Wong, Steve Lowell, Theresa Beenken. Prize package worth up to $10,000.

Meet the 10 speakers competing at Speaker Slam®'s "No Risk, No Reward" on March 25, 2025 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Vaishali Joshi, Lindsey Mazza, Shannon Talbot, Pat Doyle, Charles Achampong, Jessica Spence, Herbert Fong, Sofranie Trencia, Carlyn Morris, Aanchal Vash.

Regula Fischer wins 1st place at Speaker Slam®'s Resilience 2025. Richie Keirouz 2nd, Lyne Frank 3rd, Merav Richter 4th. Judges: Amira de Vera, Cam Beaudoin, Farah Nasser, Catalina Margulis. Lula Lounge, Toronto.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2025 Resilience competition: Amira de Vera, Cam Beaudoin, Farah Nasser, and Cat Margulis. January 28th at Lula Lounge in Toronto.

Meet the 10 speakers competing at Speaker Slam®'s "Resilience" on January 28, 2025 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Chris Atwell, Richie Keirouz, Regula Fischer, Lauren Daniels, June Svetlovsky, Jessica Swift, Chantal McDougall, Deborah Fletcher, Merav Richter, Lyne Frank.

Speaker Slam® announces 2025 competition themes for its 9th year: Resilience, No Risk No Reward, The Power of No, The Underdog, and Leaders. Grand Slam Finals at CBC Glenn Gould Studio, November 22, 2025.

Speaker Slam® has been named a Gold Winner in the Toronto Star Readers' Choice Awards for Professional Services, Public Relations, as voted by readers of Canada's largest daily newspaper.

Words Left Unspoken, a documentary about Speaker Slam® champion Joze Piranian directed by Josiane Blanc, premiered to a sold-out Paradise Theatre at the 2024 Reelworld Film Festival in Toronto.

Meet the 8 judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2024 Grand Slam: Gordon Breault, Sarah Bean, Cesar Cervantes, Nakita Singh Hans, Darius Bashar, Christina Carpio, Fennella Bruce, Jayson Gaignard. Prize packages worth up to $50,000.

Meet the 14 speakers competing at Speaker Slam®'s 2024 Grand Slam on November 9, 2024 at CBC Glenn Gould Studio. Theme: Brave. Featuring Meagan O'Nan, Calissa Ngozi, Christine Farrugia, Yusuf Khoja, Alana Moor, and more.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Power of Yes competition on September 17, 2024 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. The last qualifier before the Grand Slam.

A full recap of Perseverance, the fourth competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2024 season, held July 16th, 2024 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Paralympian Danielle Campo McLeod took first place.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Perseverance 2024: Nicole Servinis (CP24/CTV), Ty Hoesgen (Bestselling Author), Jenny Shin (TEDx Scout), Orlando Bowen (Keynote Speaker). July 16 at Lula Lounge.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Perseverance competition on July 16, 2024 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Ebi Oginni, Danielle McLeod, Madette Mendoza, and more.

A full recap of Freedom, the third competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2024 season, held May 28th, 2024 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Tyler Hall took first place with his coming out story.

Speaker Slam® champion Mike Shoreman's TEDx talk on paddleboarding across the five Great Lakes and the crucial four people who lift us up premiered globally on the official TEDx platform in May 2024.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Freedom 2024: Angie Seth (journalist), Andrea Reindl (brand strategist), Joze Piranian (5x TEDx Speaker), Esther Caszo (producer). May 28 at Lula Lounge.

Meet the Top 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's 2024 Brand Builder Competition. A virtual showcase celebrating unique brand identities, with prizes worth up to $10,000.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Freedom competition on May 28, 2024 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Stories of breaking free and living authentically.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's 2024 Brand Builder Competition. Industry experts in branding, speaking, and media will evaluate the Top 10 brand pitches on April 27.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Human Connection 2024: Niki Papaioannou, Brian Miller (3.6M view TEDx talk), Cher Jones, Roger Petersen (CTV). March 26 at Lula Lounge.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Human Connection competition on March 26, 2024 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Stories that celebrate the power of genuine connections.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Reinvention 2024: Priya Sam, Petar Josic (Spoken Artists), Bobby Umar (5x TEDx), Rania Walker (Front Door PR). January 30 at Lula Lounge.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Reinvention competition on January 30, 2024 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Kicking off Speaker Slam's 8th year.

Speaker Slam announces its 2024 competition themes: Reinvention, Human Connection, Freedom, Perseverance, and Power of Yes. Now in its 8th year. Grand Slam Finals in November.

Martin Lesperance (Montreal), Lauren Pires (Mississauga), and Lindsy Matthews (Aurora) crowned at Speaker Slam's 2023 Grand Slam at CBC Glenn Gould Studio. 14 speakers competed for Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

Martin Lesperance wins the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2023 at Speaker Slam's Grand Slam at CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. 14 speakers competed from across North America.

Meet the 7 judges for Speaker Slam's 2023 Grand Slam on November 18th at CBC Glenn Gould Studio. Theme: JOY. Judges include Katie Zeppieri, Shannon Loftus, Brian Miller, and more. Prize packages up to $50,000.

Meet the 14 speakers competing at Speaker Slam's 2023 Grand Slam on November 18th at CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Toronto. Theme: JOY. Featuring speakers from across North America and Estonia.

Speaker Slam's 2023 Wild Card Race - 9 speakers compete for 5 spots in the Grand Slam Finals. Vote for your favorite speaker September 25-29, 2023.

A full recap of Empowerment, the final regular competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2023 season, held September 19th, 2023 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Lydia Knorr took first place.

When Hope Breaks Through, a documentary featuring Speaker Slam® champion Mike Shoreman, premiered at the COMMFFEST Global Community Film Festival at the Jane Mallett Theatre in Toronto in September 2023.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Empowerment competition on September 19, 2023 at Lula Lounge: Blake Fly (8x TEDx), Laura Slinn (Avalon Empowerment), Tami Adams, and Marcos Mendosa.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Empowerment competition on September 19, 2023 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Tyler Charlebois, Louise Jackson, Jamie Kelly, Martin Lesperance, and more.

Discover 10 compelling reasons to compete at Speaker Slam, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition. From career-launching opportunities to personal transformation.

Discover how Speaker Slam provides a transformative and cathartic journey where participants overcome their deepest fears, find healing, and inspire others through their stories.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam's Belonging competition on July 25, 2023 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring expert industry judges in speaking, coaching, media, and personal development.

Meet the 10 speakers for Speaker Slam's Belonging competition on July 25, 2023 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring speakers from the USA, Canada, and beyond sharing stories of belonging.

Claudia Chan's winning speech at Speaker Slam's Personal Transformation competition. A life coach empowering Asian women, Claudia shares her journey of breaking free from cultural expectations and choosing herself.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s Personal Transformation competition on June 27, 2023 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Adam Rodricks, Ashna Bharkhada, Randy Phipps, and Keka DasGupta.

Meet the 10 speakers competing in Speaker Slam®'s Personal Transformation competition on June 27, 2023 at Lula Lounge, Toronto.

Discover why life coaches should compete at Speaker Slam®. From refining your message to expanding your reach, the competition provides a unique platform for coaches to amplify their impact.

CityNews Toronto featured Lindsy Matthews, winner of Speaker Slam®'s Against All Odds 2023, on turning her breast cancer diagnosis into a Grand Slam of inspiration.

Lindsy Matthews, a mother battling Stage 4 cancer, wins Speaker Slam®'s Against All Odds 2023 competition with a powerful story of resilience and hope.

Press release: Lindsy Matthews, a local mother battling Stage 4 cancer, wins Speaker Slam®'s Against All Odds 2023 competition in Toronto.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s Against All Odds 2023 competition on April 25 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Darius Bashar, Shannon Loftus, Priya Sam, and Joze Piranian.

Meet the 10 speakers competing in Speaker Slam®'s Against All Odds 2023 competition on April 25 at Lula Lounge, Toronto.

A full recap of Body Beautiful, Speaker Slam®'s final online competition, held March 29th, 2023 with speakers from Canada, the US, Estonia, Sweden, and Australia. Lasaunia Thompson took first place.

Meet the 10 speakers competing in Body Beautiful, Speaker Slam®'s final online competition, on March 29th, 2023. Speakers from Canada, the US, Sweden, Estonia, and Australia.

An inspiring story of overcoming failure and following your dreams. Through perseverance, self-belief, and hard work, Justin Senense transformed from a failed audition to becoming a top trainer, actor, and public speaker.

Daniel Burns shares his journey from shame to strength through vulnerability. His story at Speaker Slam® demonstrates how embracing our deepest struggles can become our greatest source of power.

The judging panel for Body Beautiful 2023, Speaker Slam®'s final online competition: Brooke Castillo, Nicholas Kusmich, Shawn Quintero, and Samara Bay.

CityNews Toronto featured Speaker Slam® co-founder Dan Shaikh and newly crowned 2022 Inspirational Speaker of the Year Marcos Mendosa following the 2022 Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals.

Speaker Slam®'s first full-day conference took place November 19th, 2022 at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, alongside the 2022 Grand Slam. A recap of who spoke and what the day meant.

Speaker Slam® co-founder Dan Shaikh shares the number one lesson he's learned about finding your passion and turning it into purpose.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2022 Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals. The top speakers of the year compete for the title of Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2022 Brand Builder competition in Toronto. Expert industry judges evaluate speakers on storytelling, message clarity, and transformative impact.

On the sixth anniversary of the first Speaker Slam® event, co-founder Rina Rovinelli looks back at the night at Revival Bar in 2016 that started it all, the first champion, and the decision to go all in.

Meet the 12 speakers competing in the 2022 Grand Slam: The Inspirational Speaking Finals at the first-ever Momentum Conference hosted by Speaker Slam®.

A full recap of Impact, the final regular competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2022 season, held online in September 2022. Penny Casselman took first place and three speakers advanced to the Grand Slam.

The first-ever Speaker Slam® champion Marcos Mendosa returns to the stage after a 6-year hiatus and wins again at the 2022 Comeback competition.

Marcos Mendosa wins the 2022 Comeback competition at Speaker Slam® as Lula Lounge sells out for the return of live events after a 2-year hiatus.

The story behind how the Our Yellow Brick Road book was created within the Speaker Slam® community, inspired by 2021 Inspirational Speaker of the Year Marjorie Aunos.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2022 Impact competition: Brian Miller, Geeta Nadkarni, Nim Stant, and Jason Reid.

Meet the judges for Speaker Slam®'s 2022 Comeback competition: Joel Brown, Tarzan Kay, Bobby Umar, and Maria Locker.

Speaker Slam® announces the Our Yellow Brick Road book launch, an anthology featuring 13 Speaker Slam speakers in collaboration with Life to Paper Publishing.

Meet the 10 speakers competing at Speaker Slam®'s 2022 Comeback competition at Lula Lounge, marking the return of live events after a 2-year hiatus.

Speaker Slam® reveals the competition themes for 2023: Belonging, Perseverance, Against All Odds, Identity, Body Beautiful, and Empowerment.

Speaker Slam® announces a partnership with Speaker Hub, one of the world's leading speaker directories, giving its community six months of free Silver membership.

2021 Inspirational Speaker of the Year Marjorie Aunos is featured on Motiversity with her Grand Slam winning speech.

Speaker Slam® co-founder Dan Shaikh shares how he navigated entrepreneurship during the pandemic and came back stronger.

A full recap of Healing, Speaker Slam®'s June 2022 online competition, where Justin Senense took first place among a top ten chosen from more than 70 entrants.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam®'s Healing 2022 online competition: Eric Edmeades, Dr. Angela Lauria, Stephanie Burns Robertozzi, and Jessica Rasdall.

Speaker Slam®'s Body Beautiful stage appears in Breaking Character, AMI-TV's 10-part documentary series on performers with disabilities, through competitor Dan Barra-Berger.

A full recap of the 2021 Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals, held December 1st, 2021 at the Paradise Theatre in Toronto with a global livestream. Marjorie Aunos was crowned the 2021 Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

Co-founder Dan Shaikh on the first Speaker Slam® event, October 19th, 2016: a Toastmasters group, a late friend's event, a blurted-out idea, and two months to a room of 100 people.

The story of Youth Speaker Slam, Speaker Slam®'s competition for speakers 17 and under: the first live edition in April 2019 hosted by Sam Demma and Lillie Rovinelli, and the online edition in March 2021 on the theme of Friendship.

A full recap of Love Lessons, the first competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2021 season, held online February 9th, 2021 and the first event on Hopin. Benjamin Fuerte Wayo became Speaker Slam®'s first Nigerian champion.

Merlyna Valentine, a sepsis survivor and quadruple amputee, was crowned the 2020 Inspirational Speaker of the Year at Speaker Slam®'s online Grand Slam on the theme of Freedom, held November 28th, 2020. She was the competition's first American winner.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam®'s 2020 Grand Slam, held online November 28, 2020: Kristen Butler, Lisa Kirbie, Charmaine Hammond, Alex Taylor, Alvin Law, Dr. Angela Lauria, and Codi Shewan.

14 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Freedom on November 28, 2020 at Livestreamed. Featuring Merlyna Valentine, Sophie Sabbage, Peter Hernandez, Cheryl Murray, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Family, held in person October 21, 2020 at the Lincoln Alexander Theatre in Hamilton: Tabitha Rose, Armin Shafee, Ian Tyson, and Dang Nguyen.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Family on October 21, 2020 at Lincoln Alexander Theatre, Hamilton. Featuring Jonathan Andrews, Merav Richter, Adonis Rosalle, Sharon Babineau, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Self-Worth, October 6, 2020 at Online: Gina Hatzis, Jeff Stevens, Makini Smith, Mark Black.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Self-Worth on October 6, 2020 at Online. Featuring Sophie Sabbage, Merlyna Valentine, Karen Porter, Beverley Ellis, and more.

A full recap of Identity, Speaker Slam®'s July 2020 online competition. 15-year-old Ashley Wong of Vancouver won first place and the audience choice award.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Identity, July 22, 2020 at Online: Anthony McLean, Blake Fly, Gina Hatzis, Isaac Saul, Travis Blakely.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Identity on July 22, 2020 at Online. Featuring Ashley Wong, Cheryl Murray, Donovan Hall, Celeste Frenette, and more.

A full recap of Resilience, Speaker Slam®'s first-ever online competition, held in June 2020 with finalists from Canada, the US, Jerusalem, and England. Orly Wahba became the first online champion.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Kindness (Finals), June 18, 2020 at Online: Jane Atkinson, Jully Black, Stu McLaren.

12 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Kindness (Finals) on June 18, 2020 at Online. Featuring Orly Wahba, Ingrid Palmer, Julie Papango, Brigid Dineen, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Purpose, February 26, 2020 at Lula Lounge in Toronto: John Stix, Carol Schulte, Jessica Opoku, and Codi Shewan.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Purpose on February 26, 2020 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Kadiatu Kamara, Marni Levitt, Sandra Elia, Vladimir Druts, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Reinvention, January 28, 2020 at Lula Lounge in Toronto: Alicia Skalin, Ron Tsang, Dave S. Anderson, and Zayna Rose.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Reinvention on January 28, 2020 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Kobby Eshun, Tony Colley, Ariane Labelle, Daniel Hayes, and more.

A full recap of the 2019 Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals, held November 20th, 2019 at the Lyric Theatre in Toronto in front of 600 people. Dang Nguyen was crowned the 2019 Inspirational Speaker of the Year, with Nesh Pillay second and Blake Fleischacker third.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Conquered, November 20, 2019 at Lyric Theatre, Toronto: Salim Sader, Cyrus Gorjipour, Theresa Beenken, Adam Roa, Debra Goldblatt-Sadowski, Chris Winfield, Jen Gottlieb.

14 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Conquered on November 20, 2019 at Lyric Theatre, Toronto. Featuring Dang Nguyen, Nesh Pillay, Blake Fly, Carol Schulte, and more.

A full recap of Gratitude, the final qualifier of Speaker Slam®'s 2019 season, held September 17th, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Gaby Mammone took first place.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Gratitude, September 17, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto: Dani Kagan, Mary Morassutti, Stephanie Estima, and Stuart Knight.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Gratitude on September 17, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Gaby Mammone, Nesh Pillay, Ian Tyson, Anna Lopes, and more.

A full recap of Courage, held August 6th, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Mike Shoreman took first place and advanced to the Grand Slam.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Courage, August 6, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto: Giovanni Marsico, Najwa Zebian, Jan Frolic, Sharon Stokes.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Courage on August 6, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Mike Shoreman, Jessica Mowforth, Helen Xenidis, Carol Schulte, and more.

A full recap of Identity, held July 2nd, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Parul Bansal took first place and advanced to the Grand Slam.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Identity, July 2, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Georgia Balogiannis, Jay Rockliffe, Sharon Babineau, Randy Persaud.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Identity on July 2, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Parul Bansal, Anthony McLean, Vince Luciani, Michael Lampreia, and more.

A full recap of The Power of Belief, held May 28th, 2019 to a packed Lula Lounge of over 200 people. Malcolm Hooper took first place and the Judge's Choice award.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Power of Belief, May 28, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Jeff Lohnes, Victoria Marshman, Tabitha Rose, Codi Shewan.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Power of Belief on May 28, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Malcolm Hooper, Rachel Weinstock, Jennifer Maxwell, Heather Kerr, and more.

A full recap of Body Beautiful, held April 30th, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Tal Shaish took first place and advanced to the Grand Slam.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Body Beautiful, April 30, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Gina Hatzis, Darius Bashar, Cher Jones, Dr. Stephen de Wit.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Body Beautiful on April 30, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Tal Shaish, Jovana Borojevic, Connie Wang, Monica Gibbs, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Youth Speaker Slam: Courage, April 14, 2019 at CSI Annex, Toronto: Joze Piranian, Kasha Slavner, Brittany Krystantos, Mr. Good Vibes.

Ten speakers aged 10 to 16 took the stage at the first Youth Speaker Slam® on April 14, 2019 at the CSI Annex Garage in Toronto, on the theme of Courage.

A full recap of Love Lessons, held March 26th, 2019 to a standing-room-only crowd of 220+ at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Dang Nguyen took first place with a tribute to his son.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Love Lessons, March 26, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Dan Porter, Dr. Karine Rashkovsky, Hima Batavia, James Roebuck.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Love Lessons on March 26, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Dang Nguyen, Michelle Gibson, Victoria Lorient-Faibish, Blake Fly, and more.

A full recap of Overcoming Adversity, held February 26th, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Vanessa Jass took first place and advanced to the Grand Slam.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Overcoming Adversity, February 26, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Odette Peek, Mike Leon, Jason Reid, Rev. Dr. Rain (Annie) Lim.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Overcoming Adversity on February 26, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Vanessa Jass, Theresa Laurico, Warren Falkenstein, Tracy Schmitt, and more.

A full recap of Catalyst, the first competition of Speaker Slam®'s 2019 season, held January 29th, 2019 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Marlon Shaw took first place.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Catalyst, January 29, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Margo Gouley, Shae Invidiata, Steven Tulman, Codi Shewan.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Catalyst on January 29, 2019 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Marlon Shaw, Hassan Wadi, Alexis Dean, Paula Morand, and more.

A full recap of the 2018 Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals, held November 2018 at the Jane Mallett Theatre in Toronto on the theme of Human Connection. Jessica Opoku was crowned the 2018 Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Human Connection, November 28, 2018 at Jane Mallett Theatre, Toronto: Paula Morand, Codi Shewan, Dana Janzen, Carol Schulte, Dana Pharant, Joze Piranian.

14 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Human Connection on November 28, 2018 at Jane Mallett Theatre, Toronto. Featuring Jessica Opoku, Sandra Elia, Gina Hatzis, Darius Bashar, and more.

A full recap of The Power of Community, held September 25th, 2018 at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Returning speakers Merav Richter and Armin Shafee took first and second in a night of redemption.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Power of Community, September 25, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Alexis Dean, Marlon Shaw, Roger Caesar, "Unstoppable" Tracy Schmitt.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Power of Community on September 25, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Merav Richter, Armin Shafee, Lilian Motta, Adil Dhalla, and more.

In August 2018, co-founder Dan Shaikh followed Rina Rovinelli in quitting his job to work on Speaker Slam® full time, a decision made watching the No Risk, No Reward competition a month earlier.

A full recap of No Risk, No Reward, held July 31st, 2018 in Toronto and called the strongest lineup to date. Ian Keeling took first place, with Sandra Elia second and Seth Mohan third.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® No Risk, No Reward, July 31, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Aaron Spivak, Andrea Sampson, Dana Pharant, Ron Tsang.

9 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® No Risk, No Reward on July 31, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Ian Keeling, Sandra Elia, Seth Mohan, Jan Keck, and more.

A full recap of Fear & Failure, held May 1st, 2018 in Toronto. Jhannell Edwards took first place, with Stephen Hopkinson second and Giovanna Capozza third.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Fear & Failure, May 1, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Carol Schulte, Ian Keeling, Marsha Druker, Sol Orwell.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Fear & Failure on May 1, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Jhannell Edwards, Stephen Hopkinson, Giovanna Capozza, Catie Fenn, and more.

A full recap of Body Beautiful, held March 27th, 2018 in Toronto. Gina Hatzis took first place, with Adonis Rosalle second and Darius Bashar third.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Body Beautiful, March 27, 2018 at Lula Lounge in Toronto: Mark Bowden, Amy Ballantyne, James Erdt, and Lori Dalton.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Body Beautiful on March 27, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Gina Hatzis, Adonis Rosalle, Darius Bashar, Tracy Schmitt, and more.

A full recap of Living Your Legacy, held February 28th, 2018 in Toronto, with 130 guests and 10 speakers. Ven Virah took first place, with Jagger Gordon second and Mitch Kurylowicz third.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Living Your Legacy, February 28, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Cathleen Fillmore, Denise Yuen, Manu Goswami, UJ Ramdas.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Living Your Legacy on February 28, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Ven Virah, Jagger Gordon, Mitch Kurylowicz, Ashley Snowball, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Resilience, January 24, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto: Cherene Francis, Codi Shewan, Majeed Mogharreban, Marsha Shandur.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Resilience on January 24, 2018 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Sultan Akif, Phil Tasci, Jessica Opoku, Shelli Varela, and more.

The first Speaker Slam® Grand Slam: 14 speakers from eight competitions, 200 people at Lula Lounge on November 21st, 2017, and Joze Piranian crowned the 2017 Inspirational Speaker of the Year.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam®'s first Grand Slam, November 21, 2017 at Lula Lounge: Blake Fleischacker, Sunjay Nath, Fay Chapple, and Karen Donaldson.

14 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® 2017 Grand Slam: Inspiration on November 21, 2017 at Lula Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Jozé Piranian, Jonathan Andrews, Ande Clumpus, Ted Lyberogiannis, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® The Road Less Traveled, September 27, 2017 at Remix Lounge, Toronto: Cindy Ashton, Marc Gordon, Randi Goodman, Stuart Knight.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® The Road Less Traveled on September 27, 2017 at Remix Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Michelle Emson, Ande Clumpus, Kyle Guthro, Hailey Patry, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Life Lessons, July 26, 2017 at Remix Lounge, Toronto: Karen Donaldson, Lauren Pibworth, Michel Neray, Ron Tsang.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Life Lessons on July 26, 2017 at Remix Lounge, Toronto. Featuring Michael Orrett, Aseel El-Baba, Lilian Motta, Merav Richter, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Overcoming Adversity, May 30, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto: Jason Reid, Noreen Kassam, Odette Laurie, Rob Provenzano.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Overcoming Adversity on May 30, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto. Featuring Jozé Piranian, Brandon Schiafone, Taryn Hawley, Armin Shafee, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Fitness & Motivation, March 29, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto: Dr. Sachin Patel, Lara McCulloch, Mercedez De Castro, Sean Maingot.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Fitness & Motivation on March 29, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto. Featuring Shontelle Dubois, Liis Windischmann, Yvette Raposo, Gregory Groves, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Love & Spirituality, February 22, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto: Brandon Vydelingum, Ilina Ivana, Thomas Le Maguer, Wayne Mouland.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Love & Spirituality on February 22, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto. Featuring Happie Micha Edwards, Nerissa Bradley, Ryan Breakey, Vita Rubino, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® Personal Transformation, January 25, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto: Marcos Mendosa, Dwayne Morgan, Noel Walrond, Ash Silva.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Personal Transformation on January 25, 2017 at Revival Bar, Toronto. Featuring Ted Lyberogiannis, Jonathan Andrews, Kacy Singh, Rhea Anne, and more.

A recap of Speaker Slam®'s second-ever event, Women Rock the Night: Passion, Purpose, Perspective, held in Toronto in late 2016. Joyce Dias took first place, with Julia Katsivo second and Parmida Barez third.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam®'s second event, Women Rock the Stage: Passion, Purpose, Perspective, November 22, 2016 at Revival Bar: Nina Spencer, Priya Ali, Maria Racelis, and Ronnie Fisher.

8 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® Passion, Purpose, Perspective on November 22, 2016 at Revival Bar, Toronto. Featuring Joyce Dias, Julia Katsivo, Parmida Barez, Andrée Myette, and more.

The judging panel for Speaker Slam® The Launch, October 19, 2016 at Revival Bar, Toronto: Carol Schulte, James Erdt, Mo Waja, Farley Flex.

10 speakers took the stage at Speaker Slam® The Launch on October 19, 2016 at Revival Bar, Toronto. Featuring Marcos Mendosa, Matthew Jones, Tanika Riley, Carmelita Dela Cruz, and more.