Whether you’re an established speaker or aspiring to be one, a public speaking competition offers a unique platform to hone your skills, test your mettle, and gain professional recognition. In South Africa, one of the most prestigious competitions is the Speaker Factor, an annual event hosted by the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA).
This guide will walk you through what makes this competition special and how you can get involved.
The ultimate test: what is the speaker factor?
The Speaker Factor is the PSASA’s annual speech competition, designed to showcase the talent and sharpen the skills of its Associate Members. It’s a multi-stage event that begins with regional competitions hosted by PSASA Chapters from January to March, culminating in the semi-finals and a grand final at the Annual Convention, typically held in April. The winner earns the title of Grand Champion and is invited to deliver a full keynote at the next annual convention.
The rules of the stage
To compete, speakers must adhere to a specific set of rules that challenge them to be concise and impactful.
- Time is of the essence: Speeches must be exactly five minutes long.
- Keep it simple: No slides, visual aids, special outfits, objects, or virtual backgrounds are allowed.\
- Consistency is key: Regional winners must deliver the exact same speech in the semi-final and final rounds.
- Content with a purpose: Presentations should focus on the speaker’s key topic and what they can offer a prospective client, including a clear call to action.
The judges’ view: what makes a winning speaker?
Judges evaluate contestants on four key criteria, with a strong emphasis on a speaker’s market readiness.
- Stagecraft/screencraft (20%): How effectively the speaker uses the platform, stage, or screen.
- Script (20%): The quality of the talk’s structure, construction, and wording.
- Delivery (20%): The speaker’s vocal performance, body language, and audience interaction.
- Bookability (40%): Is the speaker likely to be booked for a paid speaking engagement? This is the most heavily weighted criterion, focusing on the relevance of the topic and the effectiveness of the call to action.
Your path to the stage: how to enter
The Speaker Factor is exclusively for Associate Members of PSASA. If you are passionate about a career as a paid speaker, now is the perfect time to join the association. The application process is explained to members once the competition officially opens, usually in the first quarter of each year.
By becoming a member now, you will have ample time to:
- Familiarise yourself with the PSASA community and its resources.
- Receive the official rules and guidelines for the competition.
- Prepare your winning speech and craft a talk that showcases your unique value proposition.
Ready to take your speaking career to the next level? Become a PSASA member today and start your journey towards becoming the next PSASA Speaker Factor Grand Champion.
