No Risk, No Reward: The Speaker Slam® Family

Looking out into an audience filled with competitors and judges, so many past competitors, and so many future ones, Rina felt the pride of a Speaker Slam® family. Until you have been in the room, you have no idea about the love and energy and connection. It is magical.

This was, honestly, the strongest lineup of speakers to date. At the end of the night, the bar manager came over to say that when Jan Keck talked about saying I love you to his parents, he got emotional and really connected. And so many people stopped to say that the lady from Dragons' Den, Gaby Mammone, made them cry. That is what it is all about.

1st Place: Ian Keeling

Ian advanced to the Grand Slam that November. His speech would go on to reach millions of viewers.

2nd Place: Sandra Elia

Sandra advanced to the Grand Slam, where she went on to place second for the year. She also won the Judge's Choice award, donated by judge Dana Pharant.

3rd Place: Seth Mohan

4th Place: Patrice Esper rounded out the top four.

Meet the Judges Who Made It All Happen

• Andrea Sampson
• Ron Tsang
• Aaron Spivak
• Dana Pharant

Thank you for making the difficult decisions and donating generous prizes.

Unforgettable Moments

A huge thank you to the team who supported the night in so many ways: Jonathan Andrews, Happie Micha Edwards, Yianni Alexopoulos, Ashley-Ann Pereira, Yvonne Lines, Josiane Blanc, Lotoya Davids, Lilian Maricela Motta, Alison Dray, and Janice Cheung. Humbling and inspiring.

Jan Keck and Gaby Mammone both returned to the stage: Gaby went on to win Gratitude in 2019.