National Speakers Association

The National Speakers Association (NSA) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering professional speakers. Founded in 1973 by Cavett Robert, NSA is renowned as the oldest and largest of the 13 international associations comprising the Global Speakers Federation.

History

Cavett Robert, the founder, was a prominent figure in the speaking industry who overcame stage fright through his involvement with Toastmasters International. His vision for NSA emerged from a gathering of 35 attendees at the Phoenix Summer Sales Seminar in 1969, culminating in the formal establishment of the association on July 12, 1973. Robert received NSA's first Member of the Year Award in July 1979, later renamed "The Cavett Award." The organization celebrates "Spirit of NSA" day annually on November 14, which coincides with Robert's birthday.

Organizational Structure and Operations

Initially headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, NSA transitioned to a fully remote setup following the COVID-19 pandemic, with its national office currently associated with Minneapolis, MN. The organization has 35 regional chapters across the United States. These chapters are led by an elected president and a board of directors, providing platforms for professional development, networking, and community engagement among speakers.

Membership

NSA offers membership to professional speakers, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and podcasters who meet specific criteria, such as documented experience in paid speaking engagements or a minimum annual income from speaking-related services. Members are expected to adhere to NSA's code of ethics and engage in ongoing professional development.

Programs and Recognition

NSA launched the Academy for Professional Speaking in 2004 to help aspiring speakers. The organization also confers the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, an international benchmark for professional speaking competence. Additionally, NSA established the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE), known as the Speaker Hall of Fame, which honors outstanding professional speakers for their excellence and commitment to the profession.

Events and Publications

NSA hosts an annual national convention and various labs throughout the year, providing opportunities for professional growth and networking among members. The association publishes a magazine that offers insights and strategies for speakers.

Notable Members

Some of NSA's notable members include Les Brown, Mark Victor Hansen, Sally Hogshead, Harvey Mackay, Nido Qubein, Laura Stack, and Zig Ziglar, among others.

Mission and Values

NSA is committed to empowering professional speakers to excel in their careers while fostering a community built on abundant generosity and mutual support. The organization aims to elevate excellence in speaking, share expertise, and promote continuous improvement in the field.

However, the search results do not provide an event website ending in "nsact.org". The references provided link to "nsaspeaker.org" as the primary online presence for NSA. For accurate information, ensure the correct official site or EIN is used.

Financial Information

NSA is designated as a civic league under section 501(c)(4) of the U.S. tax code, meaning donations to the organization are not tax-deductible. The organization derives most of its revenue from program services rather than contributions.

Conclusion

The National Speakers Association plays a vital role in the speaking industry, offering resources, networking opportunities, and professional development to its members. Its impact is felt internationally through its affiliation with the Global Speakers Federation.