Having someone close to you die is completely life changing.  I feel like a walking cliche even just typing those words.  But cliches do exist for a reason….they are pretty true.  In 2016, my husband died of an accidental heroin overdose at home and needless to say, my life exploded into a million pieces that day. I’ve spent the last two and half years picking up those pieces and trying to put them back together again.  But that puzzle is proving way too hard to do.  I feel like I’m doing one of those puzzles that has 1000 pieces and no picture on the box.  It turns out the pieces of my old life don’t fit together anymore.  I’m slowly and painstakingly putting this puzzle together and an entirely new picture is emerging. Putting this new puzzle together has lead me to experiences and people I would never have dreamed of 2.5 years ago.  As I found my life shifting and changing around me, I made a conscious decision to say yes to new and potentially uncomfortable opportunities that came my way.  I delivered a TEDx talk in October 2018 on how we can save lives in the face of the devastating opioid crisis.  After that talk, I got connected with Dan and Rina, the founders of Speaker Slam and they expressed interest in having me compete on their stage.  Old me instantly thought ‘nope, I can’t do that.  I’m not a *real* speaker.  Thanks, but no thanks’.  But then post death, new me thought ‘let’s do this thing that scares you.  Let’s do this thing that the universe has put in your path for you to grab onto’.  I had survived the 2.5 years since my husband’s death by being open, honest and vulnerable about his death.  This vulnerability had lead me to so many new and wonderful connections.  Speaker Slam was another one of these things that had shown up for me and i couldn’t ignore it’s call, regardless of how scary, new and different it was.

Preparing for and writing my talk was unexpectedly hard.  The topic I was competing on was “Overcoming Adversity” and when I sat down and thought about it, I had no clue how I had ‘overcome’ the nightmare of losing my husband when I was 41, with two young kids at home.  Sobbing hysterically on Father’s day or yelling at my kids in complete and utter exhaustion as a solo mom does not sound like ‘overcoming adversity’! Some days I feel like I’m barely hanging on let alone overcoming anything.  Truth is, you never get over or move on from grief.  You learn to incorporate it into your life.  You make space for it.  But overcome it?  No way.  That’s truthful but probably not very inspiring.  I had to sit and think long and hard about my journey through grief.  How had I moved from the shock, sorrow and numbness of the early days to today?  I’m not only surviving, but some days I’m actually thriving.  I still sob but I also laugh, smile and dance.  The process of writing my speech, condensing it into 6 minutes and practicing endlessly was like a giant grief counselling session.  By the time the competition rolled around, I was wrung out from digging deep into my emotional vault.  I was energized and motivated to share my story, but I was also emotionally spent.  

So I did what I am so good at when grieving….I shopped till I dropped.  Grief shopping is totally a thing.  I fixated on ‘what would I wear?!’  The outfit had to be ‘stage worthy’! But also, comfortable, forgiving to my grief weight (grief eating is also totally a thing!), good at camouflaging nervous, sweat stains as well as able to hold a mic pack.  It was a tall order.  But I persevered and found the perfect outfit.  I also fully acknowledge that my obsession with my outfit was a mis directed channel for my growing anxiety regarding taking the stage.  But hey, knowing is half the battle right?

I spent the week leading up to the event practicing as much as possible.  My cat got SO tired of hearing my speech.  I also made exercise, sleep and meditating a priority in the lead up.  My physical and mental state were paramount in delivering an authentic, poignant talk.  When the actual day arrived, I woke up excited to do this!  The mantra I had created for myself rang out strong and clear in my head.  “You are made to do this.  Kevin (my late husband) is with you.”  I went to a yoga class, got my hair did and felt rested, ready and able.  It was go time.  And before I knew it, it really was.  The mic pack was being attached to my skirt and all of a sudden I was walking towards Rina and Dan standing off to the side of the stage.  Hugs from them and then I was on stage, blinded by brilliant lights but also emboldened to deliver my message.  The practiced words came to me easily (for the most part!) and my story tumbled out of me.  6 minutes was gone in an instant, and then there was applause as well as adrenaline rushing through my body.  I had done it.

Thus my journey to the Stage really amped up. 

I decided to contact Speaker Slam and whoah there was spot for me within a couple of months in the “Love Lessons” theme! I was kept up at night with the deep nudge that dared me to talk about something I had never ever shared publicly... my 8 year infertility journey and giving birth to a healthier version of myself in the process. I cried when I realized that I was not going to talk about something that was less painful. My inner being shot down every other topic I suggested to myself. "Nope... you gotta share the deepest stuff to created the deepest impact.”  

So I finally complied. 

And I am so grateful I did. AND ever since then my soul feels lighter and a bit more healed. Also I know that others have benefited deeply from me telling my story.  

My 3rd place win felt good. I'm not gonna lie.. I did want the top spot... but I promised myself I would rejoice and feel a deep pride in myself just for entering the competition and for my courage to deeply reveal my guts. 

I adore this Speaker Slam community..... It nurtures the part of my soul that no longer is content to just be safe and hidden.. Time to rise and fly and SPEAK!  ​

- Victoria Lorient-Faibish MEd, RP, CCC, BCPP, RPE
Registered Psychotherapist

I am humbled & overwhelmed with happiness - I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw I went viral - I had millions of views within days! ​The first viral video from Goalcast was like a 2019 New Years wish come true! My mind was blown - so much support and positivity came my way. 

The great editing with the words for subtitles by using yellow distinction for emphasis and pictures from moments to further deepen the impact of the story plus music added a deepened feeling resulting in massive impact. I was really grateful for the professional editing. The authenticity and the setting was something that everybody could relate to. All of this combined, helped this video to go viral.  There was so much to keep up with, especially since I wanted to reply to each comment or share.

Viewers got excited when they found out ‘UnstoppableTracy’ saw their comments. They were kind of a ecstatic and starstruck to discover that I was actively commenting, despite over 200k shares of the video. Personal hashtags of support were even being created by the viewers.  Suddenly I felt slightly famous.

My likes dramatically increased on my fan page, despite it being a very long and tedious process to add each new person, one by one. The natural audience of Goalcast and Power of Positivity was very helpful in creating the initial spin-off of views but liking and commenting helped increase the views exponentially. It was helpful when individuals shared but it was unbelievable when a group shared because then people in their groups would share. Most of all having a dedicated team of 3 liking and commenting and replying 24 seven pushed the viral video through the roof! I felt like I needed a team of 24!

Upcoming paid opportunities have blossomed from this.  Feels incredible to be scouted for a paid opportunity because of my viral video. The number of propositions and wedding proposals were exponential too. Goalcast and then, Power of Positivity viral videos were a huge game changer  and I am beyond appreciative to Speaker Slam for making this magic happen. 

On November 21st 2017, Joze accomplished a major feat when he competed in the GRAND SLAM of Inspirational Speaking against the best speakers in Toronto and won. ​

​The 2017 GRAND SLAM – featured all the year’s winners. A roster that was the culmination of 8 Speaker Slams, brought together the best speakers of the year for the ultimate throw down in inspirational speaking. 14 speakers from all facets of life bared their souls on stage as they competed for a $5000 prize package.

Special thanks to all our speakers and our judges: Fay Chapple, Blake Fleischacker, ​Karen Donaldson and Sunjay Nath​ for making this night amazing for everyone!

Hi! I’m Dan Shaikh, one of the hosts for Speaker Slam and today I want to talk to you about having a KILLER speakers video. I’ve been video editing a lot of the speeches that go on at Speaker Slam and I've learned a thing or two on what looks good on camera. I want to share with you my insights on how to make you look like a SUPERSTAR on camera.

I have 7 tips that are going to take your speakers video to a whole another level.

1. Let the music fade: If you are lucky, you will have some intro music as you lead up to the stage.  Intro music is great for setting the tone that something new is about to happen and people should start paying attention. If music is playing, resist the urge to run on to the stage right away. Let the music build for 5-8 seconds giving the audience some sort of anticipation before walking on the stage.  Let the host of the event walk off the stage, so the stage is fully yours. Whatever you do, do NOT speak over the music. Let the music fade before you speak!
2. Trust the mic: When approaching the stage, you want to convey confidence and yelling “testing, can you hear me?” deters that. Trust that the people running the event have you covered. Walk with an air of confidence with only one thought, to give an amazing performance. The audience will pick up on your confidence and hang on to your words because they know you have something to say.
3. Pause 3-5 seconds: As the music fades, let the audience adjust to your presence. Build the suspense. Take it all in.  This does 2 things:
   1. First, it allows enough time for the videographers to line up their shots.
   2. Second, you convey confidence to the audience that you aren't nervous
4. Take center stage: Come to the front and middle of the stage with a power pose. Not only does it set the tone that you are about to begin. You give yourself a boost of confidence when you take a power pose. You also pretty fly on video. Once again, when you stand still, you help the videographers line up their shots to focus on you.
5. Movements:  When you move around the stage, move slowly and purposefully. This helps the videographers keep track of your movements. Mindless moving can radiate nervousness and take focus away from your message while leaving a jerky motion on the frame. If you walk with purpose, transitions can occur seamlessly without any clumsy cover up.
6. Closing Remarks: As you end your speech, go back to center stage. This can help indicate to the videographers that you are about to close off your speech. Really save this part for your close, so you can stand still in one position. An experienced videographer can recognize the cue, and zoom in while you finish your speech. It can be very powerful.
7. Take it all in: As you end your speech, don't just run off the stage. That makes you look scared. Use this time to convey confidence in your words. Take a bold stance and really take in those claps, relish it. This will be a powerful finish for your video.​

There you have it! 7 Simple tips to approach the stage and look amazing on camera.

A speaker video is a must for any speakers. It is the only way to demonstrate to your audience that you can carry yourself well on stage. It’s almost mandatory for becoming a paid speaker. If you don’t have one yet, you should consider speaking at Speaker Slam.

​Apply to be a Speaker at: http://www.speakerslam.ca/apply-to-compete.html

​- Dan Shaikh

I've entered speech contests before. There is no greater feeling than winning. It's a euphoric high that goes on forever. A moment of validation that YES you are on the right track, living your dream, and inspiring the masses. I've also lost - and those moments are a mixture of emotions ranging from disappointment, hurt, rejection, maybe self doubt... embarrassment... just an over all unpleasant feeling. And of course, there is the occasional feeling of being "robbed" by bad judging, popularity voting or an unfortunate speaking order.

As someone who organises speech competitions I can look into the room at the end of the night and identify all of these emotions. The winners are flying high - elated and ecstatic. There are always those who didn't win and yet are feeling super pumped to have done an amazing job, had the chance to share their voice or maybe gotten over their fears and conquered the stage. And then of course, there are those who are hurting. My heart goes out to those people. Sometimes they leave right away. Sometimes they openly question if they should even be speaking. Sometimes they don't even talk to me again after - as though I am now intimately connected to that negative experience.

I want to share this one thought - something that I've really refined over the years of speaking: Take every opportunity to speak about the most important, most vulnerable, most intimate part of who you are. Share what you feel the world needs to hear the most so that even if you lose the prize, you've won by making that impact.

​I take every opportunity to talk about human connection, the homeless, people who are hurting and invisible... I talk about self acceptance and self love and dealing with my own internal struggles. And at the of the day no matter what the score card says, I always feel like I won.

xo,
Rinaeak