The competition is heating up as we beat the bushes, looking for the most talented amateur speaker who will win a complete marketing makeover with Cathleen Fillmore (value $7500) and representation by Speakers Gold bureau as well as publicity from our partners, The Stryve Group. The two runners-up will also get great prizes.

We are now accepting applications from tomorrow's great speaking stars. Are you one of them' Will you be front and center on our stage in front of 200 movers and shakers?

Here's how it works:

You can either attend an in-person audition or submit a video or CD (no more than five minutes). Auditions will run from June to September 2010. Our adjudicators, Chris Downer and Suzanne Sherkin, will rate each speaker to find 10 of the very best to speak for three minutes at the gala dinner at the King Edward Hotel, Toronto.

If you've been recommended by a speech or presentation skills coach, a toastmaster Chapter President or a CAPS or NSA Chapter President, you automatically get a 10 point head start.

Here are the criteria:

Anywhere from zero to $30,000 (maximum) in keynote speaking income during the past 12 months.

If selected as one of the 10 contestants, you'll be asked to deliver a three minute motivational speech on October 28th. All decisions are final.

Read on for frequently asked questions and registration form:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Where and when will be the showcase be held?

A. Our fourth annual talent showcase will be held October 28th from 6:30-9:30p.m. at the King Edward Hotel. Ten finalists will give a 3 minute speech and the audience will vote for their 3 favorites.

Q. What is the purpose of the Talent Search?

A. Bureau owner and speaker consultant Cathleen Fillmore wants to give talented speakers like you a chance to strut your stuff in front of a prestigious audience.

Q. Why should I enter?

A. If you become one of the finalists, you?ll be part of a publicity campaign from the Stryve Group. You?ll also take part in a very exciting gala event (and dinner) at a downtown Toronto hotel and speak in front of 200 people. If you win, you?ll receive a complete marketing package from Cathleen Fillmore (a $7500 value) and representation by Speakers Gold bureau. The second and third runners-up will also win valuable prizes.

Q. What are the qualifications?

A. You need to be an amateur speaker with no more than $30,000 of revenue in the past year from speaking. So if you?ve earned from 0 to $30,000 in the past twelve months, you qualify. Age, education, experience has no bearing on this; talent alone wins the day.

Q. What does it take to win?

A. You need a powerful authentic message and a strong delivery. You?ll have three minutes to capture the attention of your audience.

Q. Why is there a registration fee?

A. Two reasons for this - to allay the considerable costs of the event and to discourage applicants who are not serious or not prepared. It also covers your dinner if you're a finalist.

Q. What's the procedure?

A. Submit the registration form and indicate whether you prefer to submit a video or have an in-person audition. Someone will call you to notify you that your registration has been accepted.

In-person auditions will be held at:

Trinity St. Paul's Centre
429 Bloor Street West, Toronto
(just west of Spadina on the south side of Bloor)

in the chapel on July 19th.

Fill out the registration form below and we'll confirm your video or your in-person audition.

Welcome aboard and good Luck!