Against All Odds | Speaker Slam: Inspirational Speaking Competition

Start Season 10 with a night built on strength, courage, and the power to rise again.

The first competition of the year brings ten speakers to the stage to share stories shaped by adversity, persistence, and heart. The winner earns a prize package valued at up to $10,000, including $2,000 cash, and a chance to advance to the 2026 Grand Slam: Inspirational Speaking Finals.

Welcome to the launch of our milestone season. This is a celebration of grit, determination, and the human spirit. This is Against All Odds.

Date: January 27th, 2026 from 6 pm to 10 pm EST
Location: Lula Lounge in Toronto, Canada (Livestreaming Available)

After nine years of unforgettable stories and life-changing moments, Season 10 begins with a theme that captures the heart of human resilience.

Watch speakers share the moments that tested them. The moments that shaped them. The moments that pushed them toward growth and purpose.

These stories come from people who kept going when hope felt small. People who faced the weight of challenge and still moved forward. People who are ready to show that a single act of courage can carry someone through the hardest chapters of life.

• Inspiring Speakers: Hear powerful stories from individuals who fought through uncertainty, hardship, and doubt.
• The Thrill of Competition: Feel the energy of a live stage as speakers give everything they have in five minutes.
• Community and Connection: Meet heart-centered speakers, authors, coaches, and leaders in an environment built on inspiration and support.

• You’ll Feel Lifted: Speakers will take you through journeys of struggle, triumph, and transformation.
• You’ll Feel Connected: This event brings together people from all walks of life who care about growth, courage, and impact.
• You’ll Feel Changed: A single story can open a new perspective. A single night can shift the direction of a year.
• You’ll Join a Movement: Speaker Slam continues to help speakers grow their careers, reach audiences, and build real influence. Many careers began on this stage. Many lives changed because of it.

Whether you attend to be inspired, to support a speaker, or to witness the launch of Season 10, Against All Odds is a night you will remember. Be part of a community that celebrates human strength and welcomes every person with open arms.

• LIVESTREAM tickets are available
• Venue is wheelchair accessible
• If financial barriers prevent you from attending, reach out to [email protected]

Speaker Slam® is a speaker development agency that supports the next generation of changemakers and thought leaders. We host North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition and provide a platform for people to share their stories and influence their communities.

Each competition features ten speakers competing with a five-minute inspirational speech for prizes valued up to $10,000 and the opportunity to advance to the Grand Slam Finals.

Our speakers have secured paid speaking gigs, TEDx talks, book deals, media features, viral moments, and documentary opportunities. Many now speak in schools, charities, and organizations, helping create positive change.

Do you have a story that can inspire others?
Apply to compete:

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Please note: Our speakers share real, unfiltered stories that may touch on sensitive themes. These moments are part of what makes Speaker Slam® events so powerful and impactful. Viewer discretion is advised as this event is tailored for a mature audience.

Info: Network, mingle with friends old and new, and enjoy food and drinks. Don’t forget to try our Common Grounds icebreaker card deck for a fun and interactive start to the evening!

Info: Get ready for an inspiring evening as we kick off the competition with high energy and anticipation.

Info: Hear the first half of our incredible lineup share powerful stories of transformation.

Info: Take a moment to stretch, grab refreshments, and reflect on the inspiring stories you’ve just heard.

Info: The final group of speakers takes the stage, bringing their unique perspectives and unforgettable moments of inspiration.

Info: Another quick intermission to recharge and prepare for the closing segments of the evening.

Info: We highlight community leaders, alumni, and industry trailblazers who embody the theme of the night. Be moved by a heartfelt message from them, offering insight and encouragement to inspire your own journey.

Info: Audience members take the spotlight with 1-2 minute stories tied to the evening’s theme. A chance for your voice to shine!

Info: The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Join us in celebrating as we crown the top 3 winners of the competition and honor their incredible journeys and powerful stories.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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