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Certified
Speaking Professional (CSP) Designation
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Patrick Donadio is a professional member of the
National Speakers Association
| What
is CSP? The Certified
Speaking Professional 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. |
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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 7% 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 more than 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.
Code
of Professional Ethics:
To
establish and maintain public confidence in the professionalism, honesty,
ability and integrity of the professional speaker is fundamental to the future
success of the National Speakers Association, its members, and the profession of
speaking. To this end, members of
the Association have adopted and, as a condition of membership, subscribe to
this Code of Professional Ethics. By doing so, the members give notice that they
recognize the vital need to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices
among all who are engaged in the profession of speaking.
Article 1. The
NSA member shall accurately represent qualifications and experience in both
oral and written communications.
Article 2. The NSA member
shall act, operate his/her business, and speak on a high professional level so
as to neither offend nor bring discredit to the speaking profession.
Article 3. The NSA member
shall exert diligence to understand the client's organization, approaches and
goals in advance of the presentation.
Article 4. The NSA member
shall avoid using materials, titles and thematic creations originated by
others, either orally or in writing, unless approved by the originator.
Article 5. The NSA member
shall treat other speakers with professional courtesy, dignity and respect.
Article 6. The NSA member
shall maintain and respect the confidentiality of business or personal affairs
of clients, agents and other speakers.
Article 7. The NSA member
shall protect the public against fraud or unfair practices and shall attempt
to eliminate from the speaking profession all practices, which bring discredit
to the profession.
Article 8. The NSA member
shall not be a party to any agreement to unfairly limit or restrain access to
the marketplace by any other speaker, client or to the public, based upon
economic factors, race, creed, color, sex, age, disability or country of
national origin of another speaker.
Comments
from Those Who Hire Speakers:
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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.
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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
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You
know they (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 meeting planning industry.
Marolyn Wright,
Program Resources
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| 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.
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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
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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
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Patrick Donadio is a professional member of the
National Speakers Association
The above is provided by the National Speakers
Association:
 National Speakers Association
1500 South Priest Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 968-2552
Fax: (480) 968-0911
www.nsaspeaker.org
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