Public speaking is often called the world’s number one fear—but in 2026, more people than ever are choosing to face it head-on. In this episode, LA unpacks the global rise in public speaking lessons, the impact of AI and personal branding, and heartfelt student success stories that prove communication changes lives. Whether you’re a parent, student, or professional, this episode will inspire you to find your voice and step into your confidence.

In this episode of Stand Up and Speak, LA breaks down the 5 C’s of an Awesome Speaker — the same powerful framework used across SUAS programs to help students and professionals find their voice.

Discover why great speakers aren’t born but built, and how confidence, clarity, connection, creativity, and conviction can transform any message into something magnetic.

Whether you're preparing for a presentation, speaking on stage, or simply trying to communicate with more impact, this episode gives you practical tools, inspiring stories, and the reminder you need that your voice truly matters.

Tune in, level up, and keep shining.

The 2024–2025 Competitive Program is off to an exciting start. Our students have settled into the rhythm of the year and are already preparing for the first round of competitions. With smaller class sizes this term, each student enjoys more individual speaking time and focused coaching — a key advantage as contest season begins.

We’re kicking things off with our 4th Annual Osmow’s Prepared Speech Contest, celebrating this year’s theme: “The Future Tastes Good.” It’s a fun and creative way for students to blend persuasive speaking with imagination and humor.

The Top Quality Prepared Speech Contest will be our next major milestone, where students will showcase the growth and polish they’ve developed.

We’re also proud to announce that Miss Liza, an Ontario Certified Teacher and an outstanding educator, has been promoted to Vice Principal. Her dedication to her students, combined with her background as a personal trainer, brings both structure and inspiration to our programs.

This season’s Essay Contest invites students to reflect on “How my acts of service helped me understand what my community means to me.” It’s a thoughtful exercise in empathy and self-awareness — values that lie at the heart of confident, authentic communication.

Coming up later this winter, our competitors will take part in the Optimist Oratorical Contest, centered around the theme “The Moment I Realized I Belonged.” This event always brings out heartfelt stories and powerful messages that remind us why public speaking is such an important life skill.

Finally, we’ll be holding an Extra Help Session for the Same Speech Workshop on Saturday, November 15th, open to students who want more practice time and personalized feedback before the upcoming competitions.

Report cards for Term One will be released on January 26th, providing a snapshot of each student’s progress, achievements, and goals for the next stage of the program.

It’s been an incredible start to the year, and we can’t wait to see the creativity, courage, and confidence our students continue to show on every stage.

Our 2025/2026 Competitive Program is now in motion, and we are looking forward to a dynamic year. Students are getting to know each other, working on eliminating their signs of nervousness, learning to believe in their own abilities, and getting ready for our first contest.

In this episode,Steve Brennan sits down with Lori-Ann to explore her lifelong passion for public speaking competitions. With years of experience as both a participant and mentor, Lori-Ann brings a unique perspective on how competitions can shape not only stronger communicators, but also more confident leaders in every area of life.

From her earliest days competing, Lori-Ann discovered that the stage is more than a platform. It is a proving ground. She shares stories of how competitions pushed her to refine her skills, taught her resilience under pressure, and helped her develop the ability to connect with audiences of every size. Whether it was the nerves of her first contest, the thrill of delivering a speech that truly resonated, or the lessons learned from setbacks, each experience added depth to her journey.

Throughout our conversation, Lori-Ann emphasizes that competitions are not about winning trophies. They are about building character, sharpening communication, and embracing growth. She explains how feedback from judges and peers challenged her to improve, how preparation became a discipline that spilled over into her personal and professional life, and why the courage to put yourself on stage is its own victory.

We also explore the broader impact of public speaking competitions on young people and professionals alike. Lori-Ann makes the case that competitions develop critical life skills: confidence, critical thinking, clarity of expression, and the ability to adapt in real time. These are the very qualities that fuel success in careers, relationships, and leadership roles.

For anyone considering stepping into the world of competitive speaking, whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to stretch your comfort zone, Lori-Ann’s story will inspire you to take that leap. She reminds us that every competition is a chance to grow, every stage is a classroom, and every speech is an opportunity to influence.

This episode is more than an interview. It is a celebration of the transformative power of competition. Lori-Ann’s passion is contagious, and her insights will encourage you to see public speaking not as something to fear, but as a skill to embrace and a journey to enjoy.

Tune in and discover why Lori-Ann believes that the lessons learned in competition extend far beyond the microphone, shaping confidence, character, and the courage to speak up in every area of life.

Transform your communication with a stronger, clearer voice! In this episode, Steve Brennan shares practical exercises for breath control, articulation, and pitch variation that will boost your confidence and engagement. Learn how to speak with power and precision, whether you're in meetings, giving presentations, or just chatting with friends. Unlock your voice's full potential today!

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of consistent practice in honing your speaking skills. We'll uncover why practice is the cornerstone of improvement and how you can integrate deliberate practice into your daily routine to accelerate your growth as a communicator.

Join us as we discuss practical strategies for structuring your practice sessions, overcoming common pitfalls, and staying motivated on your journey to becoming a confident speaker.

Whether you're a seasoned or aspiring speaker, this episode will inspire you to embrace the process of practice and unlock your full potential on stage. Tune in to Practice = Progress and embark on a journey of continuous improvement today!

Our guest shares his personal journey of reinvention and offers practical strategies for finding your authentic voice and amplifying your message. Whether you're looking to pivot your career, rebrand yourself as a speaker, or simply grow and evolve in your communication style, Saihaj's insights will inspire and empower you to take the next steps on your journey.

We also discuss the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in public speaking, highlighting how these qualities can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Whether you're navigating a career transition, or seeking to revitalize your speaking style, reinvention is within reach.