Last Story Standing is a storytelling competition owned and operated by the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is intended to raise awareness and heighten the importance and power of storytelling for professional speakers. Last Story Standing includes three levels of competition: Chapter, Regional, and National. Below is the process, eligibility rules, and FAQs applicable to the NSA Arizona Last Story Standing competition.
PROCESS
Judges will select the top ten videos. Those selected in the top ten will have the opportunity to present their stories in front of a live audience in the spring.
Submissions are judged on the following three categories: Purpose, Impact, and Delivery.
At the live event, tentatively scheduled for late February or early March 2027 at a venue to be determined, a three-judge panel will pick the winner of the NSA AZ Last Story Standing competition. The winner will go on to represent the chapter in the NSA regional competition, and may advance to the NSA National competition.
ELIGIBILITY RULES
FAQs
Once I submit my story, can I change it if I reach the regional or national competition?
A participant cannot change their primary storyline. The general story can be enhanced based on feedback/coaching received during mentor sessions, but the story at large must remain the same.
Can I use slides or props in my video submission?
No. Any use of slides or props will automatically disqualify participants.
Can my story be a little over 5 minutes long?
No. 5 minutes is a strict cutoff. Any stories that go over 5 minutes will be disqualified.
Why is our chapter charging a $99 entry fee?
The winner from each chapter must submit a $500 entry fee to enter the NSA regional competition. The NSA AZ chapter will use the $99 entry fees to cover the $500 regional entry fee for our winner plus costs associated with the live presentation. Because this is an "elevated experience" compared to previous years, offering more opportunities for our members to speak and gain exposure, we have increased the entry fee accordingly.
Are all NSA chapter competitions operated in the same way?
No. Every chapter has discretion from NSA HQ to operate their competition differently.
Who can I contact with questions?
Matt Silverman, Director of NSA AZ Last Story Standing: matt@blueprintorg.com or (847) 946-6500.
By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
What is it? A casual, virtual co-working support space
Why do it?
How long is it? 2 hours, once weekly
When is it? Monday from 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Who may attend?
Projects Lab is a members-only benefit. A guest may attend once.
Project Lab Flow:
Start at 12:00 p.m.
Facilitator schedules a 50-minute work session
The regular host is Michele Redmond.
By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
Click here for Member Expectations. Please read prior to attending.
Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, only members may present and guests may attend once to observe.
Why Attend Speaker Studio?
We have a limited number of presenter opportunities for this session, based on who signs up first.
SPEAKER STUDIO COMPILED READINGS
Don Thoren has contributed many documents – articles, emails, etc. – over the past several years as teaching aides. These documents are contained in this file (click to access).
Questions or suggestions? Contact us via email or phone at 480-382-0638.
By attending this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (or screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
This meeting will be held upstairs in the training room, Suite 201.
Please note: Coffee and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks.
3 Ways to Participate:
From Anonymous to Authority: Building a Speaking Business Through Outbound Discipline
If you’re ready to grow your speaking business with practical strategies that actually work, this session is for you. Learn how Jake built a consistent six-figure business through intentional outreach, strong relationships, and disciplined action. You’ll walk away with insights on:
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and level up your business.
EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON NOVEMBER 9. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!
If registration is received after 12:00 noon on the Friday before the program, a pre-printed member name badge may not be available onsite. In that case, members will be invited to hand print a guest name badge at check-in.
About our speaker: Jake Thompson is a keynote speaker and the Chief Encouragement Officer at Compete Every Day, a brand he started in 2011 by first selling t-shirts out of the trunk of his car and is now worn by leaders in over 62 countries.
Jake has spent more than a decade working with leaders and organizations worldwide on how to fight drift and stay competitive in ever-changing marketplaces. Through his entrepreneurial sales experience, client work, and research, Jake has built a prove, repeatable frameworks that help leaders improve their grit, productive habits, and leadership influence.
He has been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, hosts a podcast with over two million downloads, and has directly impacted over 135,000 ambitious leaders. Jake holds an MBA, Mental Performance Master (MPM) Certification, and is one of only 700 speakers globally to have earned his CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional) through the National Speakers Association.
Jake lives in Dallas/Fort Worth with his wife, Elena, and their four “kids,” aka rescue dogs, Donut, Snacks, Pop-Tart, & Cookie.
Connect with Jake:
https://www.instagram.com/jakethompsonspeaks
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakethompsonspeaks/
https://www.youtube.com/competeeveryday
https://www.jakeathompson.com/
By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (or screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.
Cancellation Policy: No refunds.
Please notify us if you have any special needs for the meeting.
Negotiating Fees and Aftercare
We'll talk about negotiating fees and how you can use "Aftercare" to advance your speaking business.
About our guest: Lois Creamer works with speakers, consultants and experts who want to book more business, make more money, and monetize their message. She's been doing it for 25 years.
Connect with Lois:
Website: https://bookmorebusiness.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loiscreamer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loisbmb/
All registrants will receive access to the recording.
Thursday, 3 December 2026
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The holidays are almost here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a special event designed to bring us together for some holiday cheer, connection, and fun!
Please RSVP by Monday, 30 November 2026
Details:
Any questions? Reach out to nsaarizona@gmail.com
Can’t wait to celebrate with you! Happy Holidays!
Please note, registration fees are non-refundable.
How to Determine Whether to Launch a Product or Service
We'll discuss how to determine whether to add a new product or service, e.g. a new keynote, online course, membership group
About our guest: Theresa Rose, CSP® is a brand clarity consultant, creator of The Boardroom Within™, past president of NSA Minnesota, and a two-time TEDx speaker known for helping leaders align their thinking, messaging, and presence. She also crystallized the NSA Member Journey, bringing greater clarity and connection to the member experience.https://www.theresarose.com/
Connect with Theresa:
Website: https://www.theresarose.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresarosepresents
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresarosepresents
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheresaRosePresents/
NEW LOCATION: Arizona School of Real Estate and Business (ASREB), 7350 N Dobson Road, Suite 120, Scottsdale, A 85256
S.P.I.C.E. U.P. Your Speaking Business: The Recipe for Filling Your Calendar with Paid Speaking Opportunities
Passion doesn't pay the bills — consistent sales do. And in the speaking world, sales are built on the right relationships. You must transform prospective clients into satisfied customers who become your personal sales team.
In this hands-on program, "The Chef of Success" and Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) Frank Kitchen teaches emerging professional speakers the flavorful recipe needed to fill their calendar with paid speaking opportunities — using his S.P.I.C.E.U.P. Framework and the same proven techniques he used to go from unemployed and bland to being recognized by the National Speakers Association as one of the top professional speakers in the world.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL EXPERIENCE
Through interactive activities, real-world examples, and Frank's proven S.P.I.C.E. U.P. Framework you'll gain the tools and strategies to attract the right clients, command higher fees, and build a speaking brand that sells itself — long after the program ends.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN
EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON JANUARY 4. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!
About our speaker: Frank Kitchen, CSP® is a high-impact keynote speaker and Professional Results Expert who helps professionals and organizations break through stuck thinking to create meaningful results at work. Known for his engaging, practical, and high-energy style, Frank delivers keynotes that move audiences beyond motivation and into real execution.
With more than 30 years of experience in leadership development, performance, and adult learning, Frank blends real-world insight with research-backed strategies that resonate across industries. His work has impacted associations, corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and educational organizations around the world.
Frank holds the Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) designation from the National Speakers Association—an elite credential earned by fewer than 1,000 professional speakers worldwide. Frank is also the author of Fresh from the Kitchen, 52 Ways to Shine and The Live FRESH Workbook, books that extend his LIVE F.R.E.S.H.™ Framework into everyday professional application. His distinctive food-based metaphors create a shared language that makes learning stick long after the event ends.
Audiences consistently describe Frank’s keynotes as engaging, relatable, and immediately applicable—leaving with clarity, confidence, and renewed momentum to start “cooking up” results they can see, measure, and sustain.
Connect with Frank:
Website: https://www.frankkitchen.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankkitchen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankckitchen
Member Town Hall
Come see what’s happening at NSA Arizona!
Want to know where NSA Arizona is headed and what’s coming next? Join your Board of Directors for our first virtual Member Town Hall on Zoom, from wherever you happen to be, with plenty of time for your questions.
What we'll cover
Who may attend? Current NSA-Arizona members in good standing.
The Member Town Hall will be recorded and shared with registrants following the session.
Questions? Email Suzanne at NSAArizona@gmail.com
No guest registration.
7 Secrets Only Top Professional Speaking Pros Know
Why Do More Than 9 Out Of 10 Aspiring Speakers Walk Away from The High-Paying, Exciting Career Of Professional Speaking Every Year?
They don't know the 7 Secrets All Top Speaking Professionals have learned and mastered - the key aspects of the Art, Business, and Content of professional speaking.
Follow a proven plan and don’t get side-tracked by the countless distractions that present themselves.
EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON FEBRUARY 8. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!
About our speaker: Will Bowen is the visionary behind the Complaint Free® movement, inspiring millions to transform complaining into empowerment. Over 15 million people across the globe have embraced his 21-Day Complaint Free Challenge, transforming mindsets, workplaces, and relationships.
Will’s message has earned him features on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Today, People, Forbes, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Chicken Soup for the Soul – and beyond.
He holds the prestigious CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional™) designation and is a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer for organizations worldwide. His past clients include household names like Volvo, Kimberly-Clark, and The Million Dollar Roundtable.
Will is also a prolific writer: all five of his books have become international bestsellers, translated into dozens of languages and read by millions.
His talks are equal parts inspiring, humorous, and transformational – designed to help leaders and teams reduce negativity, boost productivity, and cultivate a culture of what’s possible.
Connect with Will:
Website: https://willbowen.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willbowenspeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willbowen_complaintfreeworld/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillBowen
Contact Us
480-382-0638
info@nsa-arizona.org
10869 N. Scottsdale Road
Suite 103, PMB 238
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
