Last Story Standing - A Storytelling Competition
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
- Participants submit a story-telling video, no longer than 5 minutes in length, by Friday, December 4, 2026.
- Videos can be submitted to matt@blueprintorg.com via WeTransfer, a free file transfer service: https://wetransfer.com/
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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.
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Submissions are judged on the following three categories: Purpose, Impact, and Delivery.
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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
- $99 Entry Fee - All entry fees are final, non-refundable, and cannot be transferred.
- Must have active membership in the NSA Arizona chapter at the time of video submission.
- Stories must be no longer than 5 minutes in length.
- CPAEs, MDSGs, NSA National Board Members, NSA AZ Chapter Executives (President and President-Elect), and Previous Chapter and National Champions are not eligible to participate in the competition.
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.
