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Speaker Slam® News: Recap of The Body Beautiful 2023 Competition

Speaker Slam® News: Recap of The Body Beautiful 2023 Competition

By Speaker Slam®

Body Beautiful: The Final Online Competition

Body Beautiful was stellar, and it carried extra weight for Dan and Rina. It was the final online competition in Speaker Slam® history, the close of a unique chapter that began when the competition pivoted online during the pandemic.

While it was time to get back to live events and the electric energy and connection that comes with them, the online era allowed Speaker Slam® to connect with people all over the world. On March 29th, 2023, the finals featured competitors from Canada and the US, as well as Estonia, Sweden, and Australia. The finals were phenomenal, and the top three were very deserving.

1st Place: Lasaunia Thompson

Wellness Peer Coach | Washington, D.C., US

A newcomer to Speaker Slam®, Lasaunia blew the judges away with her emotional honesty and a powerful story of change to take first place.

2nd Place: Lauren Pires

PR & Media Lead, Invisible Disability Advocate, Give Good Date Founder | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Lauren claimed second with a heartwarming and humorous ode to dating with an invisible disability. Watch the speech. She went on to place second at the 2023 Grand Slam that November.

3rd Place: Brian Fuller

Profound Fulfillment Sherpa | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Brian took third with a heart-stopping manifesto that opened with the words "I am losing my sight." Watch the speech.

4th Place: Anu Tähemaa of Tallinn, Estonia rounded out the top four with her vulnerable share. Watch the speech.

These speeches truly embodied the theme and the entire Speaker Slam® brand.

The Top 20

Body Beautiful drew entries from around the world, and the top 20 leaderboard reflected it:

  1. Lasaunia Thompson
  2. Lauren Pires
  3. Brian Fuller
  4. Anu Tähemaa
  5. Mell Balment
  6. Aliscia Brorman
  7. Åsa Rydhard
  8. Jackie Eldridge
  9. Brett Nelson
  10. Daniel Burns
  11. Lauren Clemett
  12. Nicolette Moore
  13. Sharlene Lynch
  14. Maria-Elena Rousseau
  15. Andrea Mondoux
  16. Lynda Roy
  17. Donald Carr
  18. Angie Bailey
  19. Kushal Geesawor
  20. Rimshah Ahmed

Meet the Judges Who Made It All Happen

Their profound insights, amazing prizes, and great feedback elevated the competition. Read more about the panel in Meet Your Judges for Body Beautiful 2023.

Unforgettable Moments

The community was out in full force, and the comments of support made every speaker feel seen and heard.

With Body Beautiful complete, Speaker Slam® headed back to the stage. The next competition, Against All Odds, took place at Lula Lounge in Toronto on April 25th, 2023. See who competed in Meet the Speakers for Body Beautiful 2023.

Watch Every Speech from Body Beautiful 2023

Lasaunia Thompson speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
1st Place
Overcoming a Rare Disease: My Journey to Living Pain-Free
Lauren Pires speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
2nd Place
Living with 33% Strength: Finding Joy Through My Disability
Brian Fuller speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
3rd Place
From Struggles to Finding Speaker Slam
Aliscia Brorman speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
The Curvy Path to Self-Love: Embracing My Scoliosis Story
Angie Bailey speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
Stress-Relief for Nurses: Mindful Calligraphy Techniques
Anu Tähemaa speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
The Power of Words: Overcoming Negative Self-Image
Åsa Rydhard speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
Free to Shine: My Journey to Self-Acceptance
Brett Nelson speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
The Beauty of Every Body: A Life-Changing Experience
Diane Sorensen speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
Breaking Free from Generational Trauma
Dr. Jackie Eldridge speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
I Must Improve My Bust: Breast Health Awareness
Mell Balment speaking at Body Beautiful 2023
Our Body Is Not Our Beauty: A Body Positive Message

Could Your Story Be Next? Apply to Compete

Speaker Slam® is accepting applications for upcoming competitions. One speech can change your life.

Apply to Compete