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/

• 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

• $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.

Who

NSA-Arizona Projects Lab

What is it? A casual, virtual co-working support space

Why do it?

• Bursts of focused work with breaks promote productivity and reduce stress.
• Focus intently on a project, content development, marketing, pitching, operational or administrative processes etc.
• It’s an opportunity to ask for feedback, share resources and support each other’s work
• During the highly productive segments, you’re muted with your video on or off

How long is it? 2 hours, once weekly

When is it? Monday from 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)

• Project Lab may be expanded to an additional day and time if Monday participation merits expansion

Who may attend? 

Projects Lab is a members-only benefit. A guest may attend once.

Project Lab Flow:

Start at 12:00 p.m.

• Welcome new participants to introduce themselves
• Each person shares their project, challenge or goal for the lab time

Facilitator schedules a 50-minute work session

• Take a break and share progress, ask any questions, share any related resources
• A 40–50-minute work session is scheduled
• Topics or conversations that require more time can continue via the chat or participants can stay on zoom after the scheduled end time and continue supporting each other

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.

CSP® Uncovered: What It Takes, What It Means & How to Get There

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to earn the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®) designation—or whether pursuing it should be part of your professional goals?

Join Frank Kitchen, CSP®, CSP Committee Chair, keynote speaker, and “The Chef of Success” for an insider’s look at the CSP® journey. Frank will pull back the curtain on the designation, clear up common misconceptions, and share practical guidance for speakers who are considering the credential, already working toward it, or wondering how to get across the finish line.

You’ll learn more about what the CSP® represents, what goes into the qualification and application process, and how to prepare yourself for success. Frank will also share his personal perspective on how earning the CSP® impacted his speaking business and professional opportunities.

And bring your questions! A portion of this interactive session will be dedicated to live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask what you’ve always wanted to know about the CSP® process.

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

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

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?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

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.

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?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

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.

NSA-Arizona Program Saturday, November 14, 2026

This meeting will be held upstairs in the training room, Suite 201.

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Networking
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Program Meeting

Please note: Coffee and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks.

3 Ways to Participate:

1. Register to join us in person.
2. Register to join us via live-streaming on the day of the event.
3. Register to receive a link to the recording afterward.

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:

• Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them
• Turning cold leads into real conversations
• Staying visible with decision-makers
• Building momentum without relying only on social media
• Focusing on your own path and growth

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.

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.

NSA-Arizona: Holiday Mixer

Thursday, 3 December 2026

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to kick off the festivities with a special event just for you!

At the home of Lee and Gail Jenkins

11545 N. 129th Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Join your fellow NSA members for a holiday extravaganza! This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow speakers, and share some holiday cheer in a warm, relaxed setting.

• Food and drinks provided!
• Holiday Music!
• Networking!
• Fun surprises!

Please RSVP by Monday, 30 November 2026

Details:

• Parking will be on the street.
• There is a gate code which you will receive in the reminder email after you RSVP.

Any questions? Reach out to nsaarizona@gmail.com

Can’t wait to celebrate with y’all! Happy Holidays!

Please note, registration fees are non-refundable.

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.

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?

• Practice presenting in a structured environment with valuable feedback.
• Receive guidance from experienced evaluators and fellow speakers.
• Observe and learn from others to accelerate personal growth.

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.

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/

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

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.