Why You Should Enter the Max The Mic Speak Off
as a global speaker
Step into a powerful speaking experience where purpose meets opportunity. Share your message, inspire lives, and stand out to event planners looking for fresh voices for stages worldwide.
Is This Speak-Off For You?
Whether you’re just getting started or already have a growing platform, this is your moment to level up your visibility, credibility, and income.
ASPIRING & EMERGING SPEAKER
Aspiring and emerging speakers ready to grow, showcase their niche and be heard while getting resources and training.
CURRENT SPEAKERS, EXPERTS & ENTREPRENEURS
Current speakers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders with a powerful message who are ready to level up.
EXPERIENCED SPEAKERS & THOUGHT LEADERS
Experienced voices, motivational messengers, and marketplace experts who want more stages, exposure, and are ready to maximize their potential.
We Have
Award-Winning Judges
And trust us—earning those awards changes everything. The process refines your voice, strengthens your message, and expands your reach. The recognition? It intensifies your confidence, enhances your business, and elevates your brand.
The GLOBAL Speak Off Experience:
Step-By-Step
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Step : 1
Register by August 1 – $47 or $97 entry secures your spot. (The Earlier the Better for more perks)
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Step: 2
Compete in Virtual Round 1
(Aug 5 - 6PM EST) – Speak for 5 minutes in your niche. Get zoom link at registration -
Step: 3
Select a Speaking Mastermind (Optional) - Winning With Words
Aug 19 - Suffolk, VA
Sep 24 - Virginia Beach, VA
Oct 21 - Newport News, VA
(Choose 1 and attend them all. Plus earn 2nd Chance ticket at each) -
Step: 4
Compete Virtually Rd 2 - Sep 9 (Top 50)
Compete Virtually Rd 3 - Oct 07 (Top 20)
Step 5
2025
Max The Mic
Championship
Nov 6, 2025 - 6PM EST
Hub 757 ~ 6801 Bridgeway Dr ~ Suffolk, VA 23435
What You Could Win:
1st Place Prize & Perks Over $10,000 VALUE
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Speak at 2026 Entrepreneurs Carnival Cruise Conference to Bermuda (Includes: Cabin for 2)
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$1,000 Cash
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Professional Photoshoot
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Sizzle Reel Video Package
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Book Publishing Package ($3500 Value)
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Crystal Max Potential Speakers Trophy (Priceless)
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Access to the Playmaker Business Program ($12.5K Value)
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Bragging Rights + Exclusive Exposure (Priceless)
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BONUS: Honorable Mention Awards
Meet The Host & Event Planner
Dr. Dwight S. Riddick, II — The #1 Coach for Coaches and Speakers
Dr. Dwight S. Riddick, II is a global speaker, leadership strategist, and coach of coaches who helps communicators and entrepreneurs package their ideas, get unstuck, and turn their message into income and impact. With more than 25 years of leadership experience, 17+ years as a Senior Pastor, and over a decade in professional coaching and public speaking, Dr. Riddick is a proven mentor for those looking to rise.
He is the founder of CMI Max Potential Coaching & Speaking, a business development academy that trains everyday experts to become certified coaches, magnetic speakers, and influential leaders. Dr. Riddick has helped hundreds of speakers start up, scale, and sustain profitable speaking and coaching businesses, often using their story as their superpower.
Speaker Accolades & Coaching Credentials
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* Winner of the Legendary Speakers Award presented by Les Brown
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* Platinum Next Level Speakers Award by Eric "ET" Thomas & Jeremy Anderson
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* Studied professional speaking with U.S. Ambassador Suzan Johnson-Cooke
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* Certified Coach through the John Maxwell Team
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* Studying speaking with the Toast Masters World Championship of Public Speaker Ramona Smith
- * Advanced storytelling and delivery training from world-renowned speaker Vinh Giang
Dr. Riddick’s dynamic coaching style blends faith-based insight, marketplace innovation, and real-world results. He has spoken alongside global icons like Les Brown, Eric Thomas, and Jeremy Anderson, and is the architect behind several high-impact programs like Max 365, The Playmaker Coaching & Speaking Business Accelerator, and Max Potential Coaching & Speaking Academy.
As the host of Max the Mic: Speak Off Competition, Dr. Riddick brings unmatched energy, expertise, and vision to help rising voices reach new altitudes.
“This isn’t just a competition — it’s a launchpad for purpose-driven speakers to rise, be seen, and walk fully in their calling.”
— Dr. Dwight S. Riddick, II
GLOBAL Entry & Championship Access
🛫 PRE-FLIGHT SPEAKERS PASS
$67
$47
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Speaker Entry (by Aug 1)
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Entry into Round 1
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Max The Mic Speaking Guide (eBook)
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Max The Mic Keynote Worksheet
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Custom Promo Graphic Template (DIY)
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Your Photo Featured on Voting Page
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DIY Social Media Tools
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Your Video Featured on Voting Page -
Speakers Social Media Tools -
FLIGHT Personality Assessment ($149 Value) -
10% Discount Code for Nov 6 Championship Attendee Tickets -
Affiliate Code to Earn Money on Contestant Referrals
✈️ RUNWAY READY SPEAKERS PASS
$117
$97
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Speaker Entry (by Aug 1)
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Entry into Round 1
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Max The Mic Speaking Guide (eBook)
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Max The Mic Keynote Worksheet
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Custom Promo Graphic Template (DIY)
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Your Photo Featured on Voting Page
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DIY Social Media Tools
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Your Video Featured on Voting Page
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Speakers Social Media Tool Kit
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FLIGHT Personality Assessment ($149 Value)
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10% Discount Code for Nov 6 Championship Attendee Tickets
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Affiliate Code to Earn Money on Contestant Referrals
PLUS
All global entries automatically get registered for the Mastermind, worth $1500.
Judging Critera & Official Rules
The competition is simple and will be based on the following regulations and category scoring as seen below.
Official Rules as of May 26, 2025
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Prizes & Winners
- 1 Speaker Crowned Max the Mic Champion wins Prize Pack Valued over $15k
- 2nd & 3rd Place Runner Ups Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $3K
- 5 Honorable Mentions Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $1250** All contestants will receive feedback from judges and transparency with all voting.
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Compliance To Speech Time Frame
- Rounds 1 & 2 are 5-Minute Speeches.
- Round 3 & Championship are 10-Minute Speeches.** Exceeding time limit will result in a loss of 1 point every 5 seconds over the permitted time limit.
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Best Speech Wins
- Win by being voted best speech by judges & peers in each round.
- Advance through each round and onto the championship stage.
- You may earn a 2nd Chance Ticket by attending the Winning With Words Mastermind and re-entering a round.
** 2nd Chance Tickets allow you to advance to next round and try again, because you have spent time training with our coaches and your effort to enhance your speaking pays off. -
2 Popular Vote Speaker Wins
- 2 Contestants will advance to the final round on popular vote.
- Speaking is as much who you are as it is what you say. The power of ethos matters..
**There will be only 1 vote cast per person online from Aug 1- Midnight Oct 19.
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Do and Do Not's
- Props ARE allowed
- Music IS NOT allowed
- Profanity IS NOT allowed
- Slide Decks ARE NOT allowed
- Video presentations ARE NOT allowed
- Speaking note cards ARE allowed but NOT recommended.
The Judging Categories
Each speech will be scored out of the 100 points given by Judges on 1 scorecard, and by peers speaking in the same round on another score card. 1 contestant from all of the contestants can advance to the championship round on popular vote regardless of speech score.
20 POINTS
Clarity of Message
Did the speaker have a clear and focused message? Could the audience easily understand the takeaway or main point?
10 POINTS
Audience
Connection
Did the speaker make the audience feel seen, heard, or inspired? Was there emotional resonance or relatability?
20 POINTS
Story
Telling
Was the speaker’s story compelling, personal, and emotionally engaging? Did it tie well into the overall message?
10 POINTS
Creativity
& Entertainment
Did the speaker bring something unique, humorous, or entertaining to the stage? Was it enjoyable to watch?
15 POINTS
Stage Presence
& Delivery
Did the speaker appear confident, polished, and in control? Were body language, eye contact, pacing, and posture effective?
10 POINTS
Call To
Action
Did the speaker leave the audience with something to do, think about, or apply? Was the conclusion strong and actionable?
10 POINTS
Voice
& Energy
Was the speaker’s voice dynamic? Did they use tone, volume, and pauses to keep the audience engaged?
5 POINTS
The "IT"
Factor
Did the speaker stand out? Was there something about them—charisma, authenticity, or originality—that made them memorable?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the Speak Off Competition?
Any speaker, coach, entrepreneur, influencer voice, or thought leader with a message and a niche is welcome! Whether you're just starting or already seasoned, this competition is designed to elevate your voice and platform.
What do I need to compete?
You’ll need:
• A 5 to 10-minute talk in your niche
• A stable internet connection
• Access to Zoom with camera and mic
That’s it! We'll guide you through the rest.
What is the public vote, and how does it work?
After each round, the public can vote on all speaker videos. The top 2 most voted speakers overall (not already advanced) move directly to the Championship round.
How many rounds are there?
There are three virtual rounds (August, September, and October), each followed by a virtual and onsite mastermind. The final Championship Round is on November 6, 2025.
What age must you be?
We are expecting mostly adult entries for those over the age of 18, however, if you are under 18 with your parents permission we will consider your entry.
How do I register?
Click the “Register Now” button on this page and complete the entry form. The entry fee start as low as $47, or VIP at $97 and all participants must register by August 1st.
How are the speakers judged?
After each round, you’ll be evaluated in Zoom breakout rooms by:
• A panel of Allstar Coaches (Guest Judges)
• Other Peer Speakers in your room
The top 2 in each room receive the Golden Mic Award and auto-advance to the next round.
** 2 Contestant will advance to championship round based on receiving the most online popular votes. (Your ethos matters too).
What if I don’t advance in the first round?
Great question! You can earn a 2nd Chance Certificate by attending the Winning With Words Mastermind and re-enter the next round with improved strategies and coaching.
What are the prizes for the winner?
- 1 Speaker will be Crowned Max the Mic Champion wins Prize Pack Valued over $15k
- 2nd & 3rd Place Runner Ups Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $3K
- 5 Honorable Mentions Awarded Prize Packs Valued over $1250
** All contestant will receive feedback from judges and transparency with all voting.
What if Iive outside of the US?
We are hosting a Global Virtual competition for 1 global speaker to emerge from the contestants and be featured during the Championship experience. This increases your exposure and gives you a chance to win.
Max Potential
Max The Mic Speak Off Competition
Your Message Deserves a Microphone. This is Your Moment.