This is an evaluation environment designed to document how your speaking performs when constraints apply. You submit a short-form video performance for intake evaluation. If invited, you deliver a live, recorded talk on stage. Advancement reflects observed performance under defined standards—nothing more, nothing less.
Participation does not guarantee placement, exposure, or opportunity. Fees fund evaluation, recording, and deliverable integrity.
This is not a showcase and not a motivational experience. It is a controlled environment designed to evaluate how your speaking performs when constraints apply and outcomes are observable.
You will deliver a short-form talk under defined conditions. That performance is recorded, evaluated against clear criteria, and documented as evidence of current readiness.
If you are here to be seen, this environment will disappoint you.
If you are here to be evaluated as you actually perform, you are in the right room.
That distinction is intentional.
Participants deliver a short-form talk in a controlled setting. Performance is captured, reviewed, and evaluated against defined criteria based solely on what is demonstrated.
The output is usable evidence: recorded performance, written evaluation, and documented signal.
These are deliverables, not outcomes. They are produced by the structure of the event itself—not by advancement, placement, or discretionary decision.
Judges evaluate only what is demonstrated within the constraints of this event. No interpretation beyond observable performance is permitted.
Counts: A coherent idea, a defined takeaway, and a clear through-line.
Does not count: Emotional intensity without specificity.
Counts: Composure, pacing, vocal stability, and control within the time limit.
Does not count: Charisma compensating for lack of structure.
Counts: A clearly defined listener with an identifiable need.
Does not count: “Everyone” framing or abstract audiences.
Counts: Preparation, structure, and adherence to format and timing.
Does not count: Explanations or justifications for ignoring constraints.
Counts: The ability to apply feedback clearly and visibly.
Does not count: Defensiveness, reframing, or philosophical debate.
Judges do not reward likability, trauma disclosure, applause, or performance theater. Only demonstrated signal within defined constraints is evaluated.
Not all participants advance within this event. Advancement is determined solely by observed performance—nothing more, nothing less.
Before any stage delivery occurs, participants receive instruction on evaluation criteria, event constraints, and scoring standards to ensure a shared understanding of what will be assessed.
Each participant delivers a short-form talk under the defined constraints. This recorded delivery becomes the primary and only evaluation artifact.
Judges document observations across the five competencies based exclusively on what is demonstrated during the recorded performance.
Participants advance only when their documented signal meets the readiness threshold established for this event.
Non-advancement means no further participation within this event. It does not affect access to any guaranteed recordings, evaluations, or delivered assets.
Silence after non-advancement is prohibited. Every participant receives documented closure.
Registration fees fund the operations required to produce documented speaking evidence. The purpose is evaluation quality and asset integrity — not hype, scale, or volume.
Evaluation quality and media quality require time, focus, and controlled throughput. Capacity is capped to protect the integrity of every deliverable.
If the event cannot deliver the guaranteed assets at the required quality, it does not run.
No moral language. No fundraising theater. The fee exists for one reason only: to produce documented evidence that holds up to scrutiny.
This Speak-Off begins with a video intake evaluation. If invited, live participation is limited to 30 speakers. Nothing on this page promises outcomes. It documents what happens under defined constraints.
This event does not approve, endorse, place, or guarantee outcomes for speakers.
I understand that participation provides documented evaluation and delivered assets produced under defined constraints, and that nothing beyond these deliverables is promised or implied.
I acknowledge that advancement decisions reflect observed performance within this event only and do not constitute judgment of my worth, future potential, or broader capability.
I am proceeding for evidence and evaluation—not reassurance, exposure, or speculative opportunity.