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Last Story Standing Storytelling Competition

Are you ready to elevate your storytelling skills?

Would you like a shot to be an award-winning Speaker?

Do you want to potentially speak on the main stage at NSA Influence 2026?

NSA North Texas and the National Speakers Association (National) invite you to participate in the 3rd Annual Storytelling Competition – a unique opportunity designed by professional speakers, for professional and emerging speakers.

Here’s what you need to know: 

Preliminary Round at the Chapter Level (Video)

Must be a current member of NSA North Texas.  Not a member?  Click here to Join Now

To enter, send a video recording of you telling your story no later than February 10, 2026 by 11:59 pm CT

  • Use this form to submit: https://forms.gle/MxAfZD84Te7vPPC7A
  • The recording can be done by Zoom, cell phone, etc.
  • Submit your recording using WeTransfer.com, Zoom link, google drive link, YouTube link etc.

Stories are limited to five minutes total. Entries with stories that exceed five minutes (from the time you start talking to the time you stop talking) will be disqualified

The chapter’s Executive Committee will review and select* three finalists based on the scoring criteria to compete at the Chapter Finals.

*Note: Any Executive Committee members who choose to compete will be excluded from the selection process

The final three (3) Chapter Finalists will present at the March 14, 2026 Chapter meeting LIVE- can be presented virtually through zoom as a live stream. By submitting your story, you agree you are available to present LIVE on this date.

There is a $150 finalist fee for the three (3) finalists who will receive:

  • A Storytelling Coach to help refine your story for the finals
  • Unedited video footage of your finalist speech for your business use
  • Bragging rights! You can promote yourself as a “Chapter Finalist” as well as the winner will receive the title of “2026 Chapter Champion” and advance to the finals
  • Recognition at the Year End Awards event

 Chapter Finals (Live – Hybrid format) 

  • Must be a current member in good standing of NSA North Texas
  • Chapter finalists will compete live at the March 14, 2026 meeting
  • Members attending virtually may compete live via Zoom
  • A panel of three to four judges will select one Chapter Champion to enter the Regional level of the competition

Regional Level (Video)

Regional competitors will be assigned a mentor by NSA National to review and enhance the Chapter Champion story;

  • Competitors are required to submit their final Regional entry video by the pre-determined deadline (TBD)
  • One Regional Champion (announced TBD) will advance to the National Competition at Influence

 National Competition (Live on Influence’s Main Stage in Austin, TX on July 27, 2026) 

  • Panelists will provide constructive & positive feedback from the stage.
    Note: The National Panelists are not judges and do not vote.
  • The AUDIENCE will vote for their National Champion!
  • All National Finalists will receive:
    • NSA Website Mentions
    • Elite-Level Mentor Sessions
    • Main Stage Recording and Photos
    • NSA Email and Social Media Recognition and…
    • A Trophy for the National Champion!

Scoring Criteria

Stories will be evaluated based on the following criteria for all levels of this competition:

  • Purpose:  The story’s ability to reveal and communicate a clear lesson, point, or action step that an audience member could leverage.
  • Impact: How well the story was crafted and structured to entertain, educate, and motivate.
  • Delivery: The teller’s ability to deliver the story and employ professional techniques including eye contact, vocal tone, and body language.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for more information, assumptions, and limitations.

This competition is not just about winning; it’s about improving your skills, collaborating with the best in the business, and taking your storytelling to the next level. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft, gain recognition, or simply be part of a vibrant community of storytellers, this competition is for you.

See the NSA National criteria and competition information at: https://nsaspeaker.org/last-story-standing/

The clock is ticking, and your story awaits its audience. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of something truly remarkable.  Submit before the February 10th deadline:

More Information 

  • Story Time Limit: 5 Minutes total from the competitors first word to their last word. (This does not include an introduction. An introduction should be 30 seconds or less.)
  • Individuals that exceed the 5-minute boundary will be disqualified.
  • Contestants cannot ask for time to restart and/or to start over.

General Competition Assumptions & Limitations: 

  • The teller must tell ONE story with a beginning, middle and end. 
  • The story should have ONE theme and ONE outcome. 
  • The story should provide a purpose for telling the story with a call to action. 
  • This should not be a TED style talk – it must be ONE STORY. 
  • The teller should stay within the storyline for the duration of the story except for setting up the story or until extending a challenge or summarizing the purpose of the story.
  • The teller must use their voice only, no Instruments, no props, no costumes, physical examples or additional elements are allowed. Any attempt to ‘enhance’ the story outside of their voice will be scored down. 
  • The teller can use their voice in any way, but the story cannot be a SONG in its entirety. 
  • The message of the story should be clear and directed to the identified market.