Objectives and Format
The Last Story Standing competition is intended to raise awareness of the importance and power of storytelling for professional speakers.
While the winner will represent NSA Ohio in the Regional finals for a chance to showcase their story at NSA Influence, the key benefit is the process. Developing and delivering your story, seeing your colleagues do the same, receiving feedback...a true professional development experience.
You'll submit a video of a 5-minute story, and three finalists will be selected by a panel of judges to deliver their story at the NSA Ohio March Seminar. Learn more below.
Key Dates and Registration
Registration Deadline - February 7, 2026
Video Submission Deadline - the last day to upload the 5-minute story video for judging is February 21, 2026.
Finalists Announcement - the date the three finalists will be announced is March 11, 2026.
Finalist Competition - the finalists will present their story during the Members Only segment of the March Seminar March 21, 2026 in the first floor amphitheater at DIEC.
RegisterEligibility and Fees
Membership Requirement - NSA Ohio membership is required for participation.
Ineligible Participants - CPAE members and NSA Ohio Officers may not participate.
Participant Fee - There is no fee to participate in the NSA Ohio competition.
Regional Entry Fee - The NSA Ohio finalist will participate in the Regional Competition. The $500 fee will be paid by NSA Ohio.
Story Rules and Requirements
Time Limit - 5 Minutes Maximum. The timer runs from the participant's first word to their last. Stories that exceed 5 minutes will be disqualified with no exceptions.
Content - The contestant must tell ONE story with a beginning, middle, and end, possessing one theme and one outcome and including a purpose for telling the story, with a call to action.
Restrictions - Contestants must use their voice only. No instruments, props, costumes, physical examples, visuals, or additional elements are allowed. The story cannot be a song in its entirety. Videos must be one take with no edits.
Consistency - the primary storyline used in the entry level must be used at the Regional and National level.
Judging Criteria and Benefits
Scoring Tracks - The following criteria are considered in judging:
- Purpose: the story's ability to communicate a clear lesson or action step.
- Impact: how well the story was crafted to entertain, educate, and motivate.
- Delivery: the professional technique used, including eye contact, vocal tone, and body language.
Benefits - Participants are videotaped in the NSA Ohio finals. Private, detailed feedback is provided by the judges to sharpen your craft.
Prizes - The three finalists receive a trophy. The first place winner will represent NSA Ohio and receive coaching at the Regional level and a chance to present their story at NSA Influence.
Contestants must adhere to NSA's Professional Conduct Policy and Code of Ethics. Violation may result in disqualification.
By participating, you grant NSA Ohio and NSA the right to record your submission and use the recording for promotion in all media without additional compensation.
You must register by February 7.
Register2025 Top Three
For inspiration during your preparation for this year's competition here are the three finalists from last year:
- Phil Barth - How do we get old? I was about to find out
- Hope Yin - Letting Go
- Michael Davis - The Desk
