What is a CSP and Why Hire One?
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What is a 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.
Comments from Those Who Hire Speakers
"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 they (CSPs) have achieved a certain discipline that puts them in a category all
their own;they have passed the test oflongevity; 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
"When I have a choice of a speaker who is a CSP or not, I will select the speaker who is
a CSP."
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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
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