What does “CSP” mean after the name of a speaker?
The Certified Speaking Professional designation (CSP) is conferred by the National Speakers Association (NSA) only on those accomplished speakers 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.
What Are the Requirements for Earning the CSP Designation?
CSPs must document a track record that proves expertise, impeccable ethics, exceptional client service, and commitment to ongoing education. CSP designees must also:
- Maintain membership in NSA and subscribe to its 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.
- Ratings from satisfied clients also play a significant part in choosing those who will receive the title.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a CSP?
First and foremost, it will make your job easier! The success of your meeting will be judged largely on the caliber and professionalism of the presenter(s) you select. When you choose speakers with "CSP" after their names, you are assured an accomplished professional who will focus, enhance, and elevate the purpose of your meeting. A CSP's presentation will be highly relevant to your attendees and will offer them information and insights they can immediately apply to their professional lives. A CSP brings a proven track record of continued professional speaking experience and expertise.
What Advantages Does a CSP Bring to Your Conference, Workshop, or Seminar?
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 a wide variety 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.
How Many CSPs Are There?
Fewer than 2% of professional speakers have earned this professional designation.
Why Hire an NSA Speaker?
The NSA logo displayed on my website stands for much more than an organization I pay dues to. NSA members offer value to all who work with professional speakers.
Speakers are often hired for their expertise, but though the information they share may be relevant, it’s only useful if your presenter is able to capture and keep participants’ attention, wrap their information in stories that stick, and offer action steps that translate into value your leaders, teams, and event participants can take home and put to work.
When hiring a speaker, review their expertise and experience, but also ask about their training as a professional presenter. Active members of the National Speakers Association invest thousands of dollars and hours studying the art and business of public speaking. We attend monthly chapter meetings and a national conference and are part of a community of speaking industry professionals who share knowledge, tips, strategies, and values. NSA speakers engage with and learn from the industry’s finest.
NSA members adhere to a professional code of conduct, and this comes with the additional benefit of a professional ethics board that stands ready to mediate disputes or misunderstandings that might arise between you and a speaker.
Expect an NSA speaker to:
- Listen before they talk—to you or your audience
- Notify you when they’ve arrived so you can worry about other people
- Show up early, start on-time, and never crowd other speakers by running over
- Bring experience with faulty AV equipment, fire drills, and other technical problems that inexperienced speakers may not know how to manage
- Understand the challenges you face as a meeting professional so they can help make your event a success
- Deliver eloquence on the platform as well as expertise
- Make their presentation about your audience and not about themselves
- Deliver value far above their speaking fee
- Wow your audience
Your Best Route to Audience Engagement
When you work with an NSA speaker, you benefit from an entire community of experts and professionals who support each other, share expertise, and push for utmost professionalism. NSA speakers offer your best route to audience engagement, worry-free meetings, return on investment, and referrals to other presenters you can count on. When you consider me (or any speaker) for your important event, ask about professional affiliations, training, experience, and commitment to professional development. The responses you receive from NSA speakers will surprise, delight, and inspire you as much as any on-stage presentation.