Speaker Slam® Unveils Judges for the Final Competition of the 2024 Year "Power of Yes"
Aug 29, 2024Speaker Slam®, North America's largest inspirational speaking competition, prepares for its final competition of the year before the Grand Slam with its highly anticipated "Power of Yes" event! Join us on September 17th, 2024, at the iconic Lula Lounge in Toronto. This event marks a significant chapter in Speaker Slam's mission to highlight the power of seizing opportunities and embracing the unknown.
This year's "Power of Yes" theme is a compelling exploration of what it means to step out of your comfort zone and say "Yes" to new possibilities. Participants from diverse backgrounds will take the stage to share their transformative stories of overcoming doubt, embracing challenges, and unlocking new potential. This event serves as a vital platform for voices that motivate, inspire, and empower.
Meet Your Judges for "Power of Yes "
As we draw closer to the event date, we're honored to introduce an exceptional panel of judges who bring a wealth of expertise, insight, and passion to the Speaker Slam stage.
Tami Adams
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Meet Tami Adams, a trailblazing events professional. With a passion for meaningful causes, she’s actively involved with MPI Board of Directors and women entrepreneur organizations. Tami’s unique background spans both event planner and supplier side of the business, making her a true industry hybrid.
When COVID-19 prompted reflection, Tami decided to pursue her calling, leading her to establish TA Speakers Management—a boutique speakers agency. She collaborates with a select group of transformational keynote speakers and thought leaders, believing that sharing vulnerably and meaningfully creates magic. Tami is thrilled to continue crafting extraordinary experiences for her clients through her incredible talent.
Christina Pearo
Television Host, Producer, and Emcee
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
Christina Pearo is a Host and Producer of Living Local and What it Takes on YES TV Canada. She is also a vibrant emcee and has partnered with notable organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, and IndieNET Canada. She loves entertaining for a living, whether it's in front of a camera or behind the scenes, she loves to engage audiences through vibrant storytelling - always reading a room to give people exactly what they are looking for.
Ivan Wanis Ruiz
Speaker & Trainer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ivan Wanis Ruiz is a communication expert, international speaker, and author of End Boring. As founder of Public Speaking Lab, he’s revolutionized communication training, blending neuroscience, comedy, and even pro wrestling techniques.
Ivan’s expertise spans from commanding 50,000-strong stadiums to transforming corporate boardrooms. A top-rated Coursera and Udemy instructor, Distinguished Toastmaster, and Hollywood actor, Ivan’s unique approach has empowered over a half million people worldwide. When not teaching, catch him salsa dancing or MCing major events. Ready to end boring?
@publicspeakinglab
Blake Fly
Husband, Dad, Entrepreneur, and 9-time TEDx Speaker
Ontario, Canada
Blake Fly believes that unexpected appreciation is rocket fuel to create meaningful business relationships. Blake's innovative relationship-building methods have gotten him hired to deliver keynote speeches on over 1000 stages.
He produces a 55-year event series for entrepreneurs, called “Thank U Live” - an annual gratitude experience for entrepreneurs to look back on their year and appreciate their people by delivering hundreds of gratitude messages in real-time. He is currently completing a personal project called #Reach1000Lives on Facebook. Blake loses every staring contest he engages in with his kids and has a huge crush on his beautiful bride, Emily.
The judges have offered the following prizes:
First Place
Speaker Slam - $2000 Cash Prize
Speaker Slam - Invitation to the Grand Slam
Tami Adams - Speaking Profile Overhaul: Complete profile review and overview of current speaking profile - strategy session, review of current branding and positioning, consulting with suggested changes, positioning with recommended changes (Valued at $1,500) 2.5hrs total
Christina Pearo - Content Review + Brand Boost Session + Polish and Present: a review your next 10 pieces of social content and edit/give you notes on what to improve, or how to make it more engaging (this can be anything from social media posts to website-related material)
- A 30-minute online conversation to discuss interviewing techniques in front of and behind the camera, how to read the room, best practices in networking, the television industry, and a brand discussion to talk about ways to improve your online brand presence. Website + Social Media Audit.
- A 30-minute initial session and a 30-minute follow-up online. We will go through the initial phases of your presentation and she will give you feedback and critiques on how to improve, what you can add or remove, and what you can build upon. will also work through editing and re-designing slide decks. This can be used for presentations for work, performances, speaking engagements, etc (Valued at $750)
Ivan Wanis Ruiz - Ultimate End Boring Speaker Package will offer full complimentary access to the "End Boring" program on Udemy & Skillshare, along with a signed copy of End Boring: A Tactical Approach to Public Speaking, and a 60-minute one-on-one coaching session, valued at $5000.
Blake Fly - The TED Talk Walk: An Innovative Coaching Experience That Will You Crystalize 3 Big Ideas For Your Future TEDx (Valued at $1000) and these ideas can immediately be used in all of your content, communications, and presentations + 2 Tickets to Thank U Live, Year 9 of 55. The annual Gratitude Experience for Entrepreneurs. (Valued at $200)
Second Place
Tami Adams - 1.5 Hour Speaker Coaching Session: pick my brain, we can focus on any aspect of the speaking world, etc., and guidance for key messages development (Valued at $500) 1.5hrs
Christina Pearo - Brand Boost Session + Polish and Present (online) 30-minute online conversation to discuss interviewing techniques in front of and behind the camera, how to read the room, best practices in networking, the television industry, and a brand discussion to talk about ways to improve your online brand presence. Website + Social Media Audit. + 30-minute initial session and a 30-minute follow-up online. We will go through the initial phases of your presentation and I will give you feedback and critiques on how to improve, what you can add or remove, and what you can build upon. will also work through editing and re-designing slide decks. This can be used for presentations for work, performances, speaking engagements, etc. (Valued at $500)
Ivan Wanis Ruiz - Professional Speaker Guidance includes access to the End Boring Udemy Starter Course and a one-hour coaching session. Plus a signed copy of End Boring: A Tactical Approach to Public Speaking, valued at $3000.
Blake Fly - 1 Ticket to Thank U Live, Year 9 of 55. The annual Gratitude Experience for Entrepreneurs. (Valued at $100)
Third Place
Tami Adams - 1 x 45min Speaker Coaching Session (Valued at $300)
Christina Pearo - Polish & Present 30-minute initial session, and a 30-minute follow-up. (online) feedback and critiques for how to improve, what you can add or remove, and what you can build upon for any upcoming presentation. I will also work through editing and re-designing slide decks. This can be used for presentations for work, performances, speaking engagements, etc. (Valued at $200)
Blake Fly - 1 Ticket to Thank U Live, Year 9 of 55. The annual Gratitude Experience for Entrepreneurs. (Valued at $100)
