You should care because a home run requires a heavy hitter!

The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, established in 1980, is the speaking industry's international measure of speaking experience and skill. CSP is conferred by the National Speakers Association (NSA) and the International Federation for Professional Speakers (IFFPS) 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.

Why should you hire a Certified Speaking Professional?

A CSP brings a proven track record of solid speaking experience and expertise, outstanding service and ethical behavior. Hiring a Certified Speaking Professional will make your job easier (remember, you will be the one receiving the accolades!). Because the success of your meeting will be judged largely on the caliber, professionalism and appropriateness of the topic and presenter(s) you select, you need 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 Certified Speaking Professionals are there?

Because the CSP criteria require that a speaker has a proven, successful track record over an extended period of time, less than 10 percent of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation. The membership of the federation is comprised of professional speaking associations worldwide. CSP is the international standard which these associations agree represents competence in the speaking profession.

What are the criteria to become a Certified Speaking Professional?

Every Certified Speaking Professional must . . .

• Serve a specific number of clients within five years.
• Present a specific number of professional speaking engagements within this same five-year period.
• Receive excellent ratings from past clients on professional performance evaluations.
• Submit testimonial letters from clients served.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial income from professional speaking to confirm the value clients place on the speaker's expertise.
• Adhere to the National Speakers Association's Code of Professional Ethics.
• Commit to ongoing education in the professional speaking industry.