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
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 Speaker Slam Competition Themes for 2026
Against All Odds - 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.
Breakthrough - 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 - 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.
Identity - 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.
Reinvention - 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.
Wild Card Race: A Path to Redemption
Speaker Slam will choose four speakers who demonstrated strong speaking ability, meaningful growth, or significant impact following their competition. Two will be chosen through public voting, and two will be selected by the Speaker Slam team.
Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals - 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.
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.
For those interested in participating in the 2026 competitions, application details can be found at speakerslam.com/apply.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Dan Shaikh | info@speakerslam.com | Co-Founder & Publicist for Speaker Slam®