Could this be your moment?
It’s very easy to say you want more speaking opportunities, more visibility, more books, more chances to show people what you can do.
But sometimes you actually have to step forward and take the opportunity when it appears.
And this is one of those opportunities.
On Thursday 24th September, PSA UK & Ireland’s Virtual Region hosts the Virtual Speaker of the Year 2026.
We’re looking for 8 Professional Members to deliver an original 8-minute talk in front of a live online audience and judging panel.
Your talk will be judged on:
– Originality
– Structure
– Delivery
– Stagecraft
And, importantly, bookability.
Because this isn’t just about delivering a good talk. It’s about showing that you can deliver something an audience remembers AND what a client might want to book.
Any member who has ever entered one of our competitions has never regretted it. Did they feel uncomfortable? Yes! Did they over think the time? Yes!
And yes, there’s always a very good reason to tell yourself, “Maybe next year.”
But what if this year is the year you say yes?
Go on!
You’ll get the opportunity to test your material, sharpen your thinking, perform under pressure and get your work seen by fellow professional speakers.
And one of you will become the PSA Virtual Speaker of the Year 2026.
8 speakers. 8 minutes. 1 champion.
AND not only that – during the event, we have a Fellows Spotlight Session.
Fellow Spotlight Sessions
Alongside the competition, we’ll feature special spotlight sessions from PSA Fellows, bringing additional value and perspective to the evening.
These seasoned experts will share short, high-impact sessions designed to:
- Offer insight into what elevates a talk
- Share lessons from experience at the highest levels
- Help you translate great speaking into a viable business
This is not filler — it’s premium content from the very best in the PSA, designed to complement what you see in the competition.
Audience Experience
This is not a passive event.
As part of the evening, the audience plays an active role in shaping the outcome through engagement scoring, contributing to the overall judging process.
You’ll also hear feedback from the judging panel, providing valuable takeaways you can apply immediately to your own speaking.
Why Attend
Whether you are:
- Building your speaking business
- Looking to increase bookings and fees
- Refining your message and delivery
- Or simply wanting to see what excellence looks like
This event delivers real-world insight into the standards required to succeed as a professional speaker.
Thursday 24th September 2026
6:00–8:00 PM (UK time)
Online via Zoom
