"When selecting performers, my image depends on those I have hired.  I am only as good at my job as you are at yours.   I thank you, Russ, for making me look great!   I will definitely be seeing you again for another performance this summer."   Barbie Galbreth Program Coordinator IBM

 

Russ Peak joined the National Speaker's Association and earned his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation through the NSA early in his speaking career.

The CSP is the hallmark of the expert who speaks professionally.

 

 

 

What is a Certified Speaking Professional?

 

The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, conferred by the National Speakers Association and the International Federation for Professional Speakers, is the speaking profession's international measure of professional platform skill.

 

The CSP designation is earned through demonstrating competence in a combination of standards:

• Professional platform skills;
• Professional business management;
• Professional education; and
• Professional association.

Speakers must be members of NSA or another IFFPS organization for at least three years and complete a rigorous application process to earn the CSP designation.

 

 

 

Why should you hire a  Certified Speaking Professional?

 

It will make your job easier!  Do you think the caliber of presenters you select for your event is important?  You bet it is!

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 Certified Speaking Professional (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.

 

 

 

What Benefit Does a Certified Speaking Professional Bring to Your Meeting?

 

A CSP brings a proven track record of experience and expertise to your meeting.  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 to become a Certified Speaking Professional?

 

       Every CSP must...

• Serve a minimum of 100 clients within 5 years.
• Present a minimum of 250 professional speaking engagements within this same 5-year period.
• Take part in ongoing education in the professional speaking field through NSA's educational programs.
• Submit testimonial letters from their clients.
• Receive excellent ratings from past clients on performance evaluations.
• Submit professionally prepared samples of their promotional materials.

 

How many CSPs are there?

Less than 8% of NSA's 3500+ members hold this professional designation.

 

 

 

What Do People Who Hire Speakers Say About the CSP?

"When I see the CSP designation, I recognize it as the hallmark of a speaking professional who has met the impressive and high expectations required to earn the certification. Our audiences have never been disappointed in the powerful, relevant messages delivered in educational sessions conducted by CSPs."

Nancy A. Woolever, PHR
Society of Human Resource Management

 

"CSP is an insurance policy toward the meeting planner's success. The CSP designation is a qualifier in the mind of the astute planner."
Brad Plumb
North American Speakers Bureau, Inc.

"I am a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional). I believe strongly in designations. It says you are committed to the profession. When I have equal speakers, I will take the CSP first over the non-CSP. Yes, CSP does make a difference in selecting speakers."
Betty E. Garrett, CMP
Garrett Speakers International

"You know CSPs have achieved a certain discipline that puts them in a category all their own; they have passed the test of longevity; they have proven themselves. It makes a difference today and will continue to make a difference in the meetings industry."
Marolyn Wright
Program Resources

"When I have a choice of a speaker who is a CSP or not, I will select the speaker who is a CSP."
Michelle Lemmons
International Speakers Bureau, Inc.

"I always consider the CSP designation the hallmark of professional excellence. The CSPs that we have selected have never disappointed our audiences."
Barbara S. Sadek
The Society for Human Resources Management

"It's truly an indication that a speaker has achieved a higher level of professionalism. It's something we look for first. I reduce my risk by hiring someone with a CSP."
William Bess
Mfgrs. Representatives of America

 

 

The Association

 

The National Speakers Association is an international association of more than 3500 members dedicated to the art and value of experts who speak professionally. For more than 30 years, NSA has provided its membership with resources and education designed to enhance business acumen and impact through programming that helps audience members and organizations positively address the way they work and live, change and adapt, compete and lead, prosper and perform. The CSP certification is NSA's indication that you are booking a committed professional who has a history of success with many audiences.

 

 

Contact Russ Peak & Associates Today to find out more about hiring a Certified Speaking Professional!