Love Lessons: Let's Hear It for the Men

Oh, what a night. The men showed up in full force for the first competition of 2021 and wowed the room with heartfelt, vulnerable Love Lessons. Their speeches were moving and inspiring, and they left it all on the stage.

It was also the first Speaker Slam® event held on Hopin, with elevated production and a community that networked and connected in the chat all night long.

1st Place: Benjamin Fuerte Wayo

Benjamin became Speaker Slam®'s first Nigerian champion with one of the highest scored speeches in the competition's history, and a message that landed powerfully heading into International Women's Day.

2nd Place: Donovan Hall

Donovan took second with a beautiful tribute to his father, his second podium after placing third at Identity 2020.

3rd Place: Martin Parker

Martin was an incredibly close third with a raw, vulnerable share about the importance of saying I love you.

4th Place: Danielle Caesar rounded out the top four, arriving with two top-ten finishes in two competitions.

Meet the Judges Who Made It All Happen

• Stephen de Wit
• Brian J. Olds
• Annie Lalla
• Lori Pelzer

Some of the best feedback Speaker Slam® had ever had. Messages came in all night about how invaluable it was.

Unforgettable Moments

Benjamin returned to the stage that December for the 2021 Grand Slam.