Meeting Planners
Why Hire A CSP?
What is CSP?
The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, established
in 1980 by the National Speakers Association (NSA), is the speaking
profession's international measure of professional platform skill. CSP
is conferred by the US-based National Speakers Association and by the
National Speakers Association of Australia only on those who have
earned it by meeting strict criteria. The letters CSP following a
speaker's name indicate a speaking professional with proven experience
who understands what is required and knows how to deliver client
satisfaction.
Why Should You Hire a CSP?
It will make your job easier! The success of your meeting will be
judged largely on the caliber, professionalism and appropriateness of
the topic and presenter(s) you select. Choosing a CSP maximizes your
opportunity of providing a speaker with a message that will focus,
elevate and enhance the mission of your meeting and stick firmly in
the memories, attitudes and action plans of your attendees.
How Many CSPs Are There?
Less than 10% of the speakers who belong to the International
Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional
designation. The membership of the International Federation for
Professional Speakers is comprised of professional speaking
associations worldwide. CSP is the international standard that these
associations agree represent competence in the speaking profession.
What Benefit Does a CSP Bring to Your Meeting?
A CSP brings a proven track record of continuing speaking
experience and expertise. CSPs are committed to ongoing education,
outstanding service and ethical behavior. CSPs offer wide varieties of
approaches, topics and styles. Only you can determine which speaker
will best fit your needs. A Certified Speaking Professional provides a
solid place with which to begin your search.
What Are the Criteria?
Every CSP must...
- Maintain membership and subscribe to the Code of Professional
Ethics.
- Serve a minimum of 100 different clients within 5 years.
- Present a minimum of 250 professional speaking engagements
within this same 5-year period.
- Submit testimonial letters from clients served.
- Submit professionally prepared promotional materials.
- Receive excellent ratings from past clients on professional
performance evaluations.
- Continue education in the professional speaking field.
The Association
NSA, a member association of the International Federation for
Professional Speakers, is dedicated to advancing the art and value of
experts who speak professionally. The International Federation for
Professional Speakers provides nearly 5000 members with the resources
and education designed to enhance the talent, ethics and business
acumen of professional speakers. The CSP Certification is an
indication that you are booking a committed professional who has a
history of success with many audiences.
Source:
NSAspeaker.org
10 Tips for Finding the Right Speaker
Your speaker selection is one of the most important elements in a
successful meeting. Selecting the right speaker for your meeting can
be a daunting task, as speakers are available in every fee range and
specialty topic. The National Speakers Association, comprised of more
than 3,000 professional speakers, has compiled these tips to help make
your meeting a success.
- Determine the needs of your audience
Thorough knowledge of the needs of your group is essential in
selecting the right speaker. Does your meeting require that the
audience leave with specific or technical information? Do you need
someone to motivate the group to sell? Are you looking for
after-dinner entertainment with a message?
- Establish your date, time and budget
Start looking for a speaker as soon as the date for your meeting
is set. Many speakers book engagements up to a year in advance and
you will want to get on their calendar as soon as possible.
Consider how much time you have to fill and where that time falls
in your overall program. If your time slot is flexible, a
professional speaker can often tell you the right amount of time
for the job. A professional can also make recommendations about
the order of topics/speakers if one presentation will follow
another. (You may not want to follow a humorist with a detailed
educational presentation.)
Factor in the fee you are willing or able to pay for a speaker.
Your search for a speaker can be narrowed or broadened based upon
your budget.
- Identify the type of speaker who will best match the needs
of your audience
A speaker's expertise in a given field may be the big
draw, but a well-known name does not guarantee a professional
presentation. High prices don't always mean high quality. Will
your audience and the overall program benefit most from a
celebrity; an expert in the field; a popular sports personality; a
best-selling author; or a professional speaker who has a thorough
knowledge of the appropriate topic?
- Locate your resources
Personal referrals are a great way to narrow your search. Ask
colleagues for recommendations.
Speakers bureaus locate and book speakers according to your
specifications and needs. A bureau can locate speakers and quote
fees. Many bureaus specialize in particular speakers such as
celebrities, authors or athletes. Speakers bureaus can often be
found in your local phone directory under "Speakers
Bureau" or "Agent." You can also use the internet
to find bureaus. Try the International Association of Speakers
Bureaus (IASB) or Marketplace NSA.
Click here to jump to a The National Speakers Association's Online
Directory of Professional Speakers. This directory contains
information on more than 3,000 speakers and can be searched by
topic, keyword, location, name and so on.
- Review your options and interview your speaker candidates
A professional speaker will be a real partner in this process.
Often they will ask questions about the needs of your audience and
what they can accomplish for you. Ask your candidates for
references and, if they are speaking in your area, ask if you can
attend the program and observe them in action.
Assure that a potential speaker has addressed groups similar to
yours. Talk with them about their experience. Ask for a biography,
testimonials and videos of their presentations, preferably before
a live audience.
Find a speaker who will tailor his or her presentation to your
group.
Ask the speaker if they belong to professional associations. Also
ask what awards or certifications they have earned. The National
Speakers Association's designation is the Certified Speaking
Professional (CSP). The CSP is earned for extended speaking
experience and client satisfaction. You might also choose a member
of the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. Click here for more information
on the CSP designation or the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame.
- Select your speaker
Hire a professional and you'll hire an ally. Professional speakers
understand that your reputation is riding on their performance.
Their experience with hundreds of audiences can add to your peace
of mind and to the success of the event.
When selecting your speaker, consider that you are not only paying
for the time the speaker is on the platform but also for the hours
spent researching, preparing and customizing the presentation.
Some speakers may negotiate their fees when they are doing more
than one program for you or when they are allowed to sell their
products. Ask about your options.
- Get it in writing
You should have a letter of agreement or contract that clearly
outlines the expectations of both you and your speaker. Consider:
travel arrangements and transportation;
accommodations and meals;
fees, reimbursements and payment terms;
whether you want the speaker to attend social events;
if the speaker may sell products and if so, how this will be
handled;
an agreement on any audio- or videotaping of the presentation;
cancellation policies;
audio/visual requirements;
and legal implications, if any, your contract may contain.
Click here to jump to sample speaker contracts.
- Work with your speaker
Share information about your group or company. This will help the
speaker become familiar with your organization, while facilitating
a customized presentation.
Send your newsletter or anything which would include key people,
buzz words or insider news and views.
Give the speaker a clear outline of what you expect.
Be specific about the size and demographics of your audience.
Let the speaker know in advance about other speakers on the
program. This gives the speaker the opportunity to build on (and
not duplicate) what the other speakers say.
- Set the stage
Make sure the room is set up for optimum impact. Consider the
number of chairs and how they are arranged. Also consider room
temperature and lighting.
Stay on schedule. Although a professional will be able to
"make up" time or slow things down if needed, keeping
your program on schedule will allow your audience to get the full
impact of the program you have created for them.
Your speaker should be able to provide you with a good
introduction of themselves and their topic. The introduction
should be short, energizing and create positive expectations.
- Evaluate the results
Have your audience complete evaluations on the speaker and his/her
presentation. This will allow you to gauge your results and plan
for future programs. Send copies of the evaluations to your
speaker. The National Speakers Association stands ready to help
you with the most important element of a successful
meeting--finding the right speaker. Although we do not book or
recommend specific individuals, we're pleased to answer any of
your questions. You can phone NSA at 480-968-2552, or send us an
e-mail.
Source:
NSAspeaker.org
Meeting Planners are invited to our next meeting
We always welcome event planners and trainers. Actually,
we welcome everyone who has an interest in our speakers or in the
speaking profession.
An email or call to Diane Crutcher, our administrative Assistant,
is all it takes. Diane will provide you with all the information
you need for our regular meetings. Phone: 502-426-7033
Fax 502-326-0811
E-mail: dianecrutcher@aol.com
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National Speakers Association - Kentucky Chapter 11407 N
Tazwell Drive Louisville, KY 40241
Administrative Assistant: Diane L Crutcher
Phone: 502-426-7033 Fax 502-326-0811
E-mail: diane@nsakentucky.org
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