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NSA Designations and Competencies

Cavett Award

The Cavett Awared is NSA';s most cherished award. It is presented annually to the member whose accomplishments over the years have reflected outstanding credit, respect, honor and admiration in NSA and the speaking profession, and whose actions (in terms of sharing, guiding and inspiring other members) most closely parallel the illustrious career of NSA's founder, Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE.

NSA Ohio members who have earned the Cavett Award include:

• Mike Frank, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award
• Pat Vivo, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award *

CPAE - Council of Peers Award for Excellence Speaker Hall of Fame

The CPAE is an award for platform excellence. Selections are based on nominations made by the current CPAEs and are limited to a maximum of five each year nationally.

NSA Ohio members who have earned the CPAE designation include:

• Charles B. Dygert, PhD, CSP, CPAE
• Mike Frank, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award
• Pat Vivo, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award *

CSP - Certified Speaking Professional

The CSP is the highest earned designation of professional achievement. It is awarded to those individuals who have completed a comprehensive application process and met the criteria set by NSA. It recognizes a commitment to ongoing education, proven speaking experience and ethical behavior. NSA Ohio members who have earned the CSP designation include:

• Charles B. Dygert, PhD, CSP, CPAE
• Patrick Donadio, CSP
• Mike Frank, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award
• Fran Kick, CSP
• Rick Metzger, CSP
• Jack Park, CPA, CSP
• Phil Sorentino, CSP
• Pat Vivo, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award *
• Steve Wilson, MA, CSP
• Lillian Zarzar, CSP

NSA's Professional Competencies

NSA's Professional Competencies are the basic categories of skill, knowledge and mastery needed for optimum professional performance. These competencies allow for endless variation in specific content and focus based upon the choices of the individual and the needs of the moment. I July 2005, NSA reformatted the competencies into four areas to make them easier to remember and amange. These four areas are EXPERTISE, ELOQUENCE, ENTERPRISE, and ETHICS.

Expertise - This competency refers to knowledge or skills in a particular area, with a particular emphasis on the application of this knowl-edge or these skills. It entails knowing the best topics for you, as well as researching and developing the content of your speaking presentations/ performances. This competency area also includes techniques for staying on the cutting-edge of topic selection and development skills.

The set of competencies for this area include:

• Selecting and developing topics
• Building topic expertise
• Staying on the cutting-edge of topic development
• Tailoring/customizing topics and presentation/performance content
• Developing products
• Developing writing skills
• Protecting intellectual property

Eloquence - This competency refers to the speaking skill or power of using persuasive and powerful expression. It embodies the knowledge and skills of presenting and performing in order to communicate with audiences. It also encompasses theatrical and stage techniques. Embodied in this competency are the elements involved in creating the setting for the presentation/performance.

The set of competencies for this area include:

• Identifying and developing unique communication styles
• Mastering the craft of presenting/performing
• Creating the setting (e.g., introductions, room setup, proper staging, appropriate knowledge of and use of audio or visual equipment)
• Learning techniques to engage audiences
• Understanding and connecting with diverse audiences
• Acquiring the skills for different speaking roles (e.g., keynote speaker, workshop presenter, seminar leader, emcee, after-dinner speaker, panelist)

Enterprise - This competency refers to the skills needed in the purposeful or industrious undertaking of a speaking business venture. It involves running a business, sales and marketing knowledge, as well as skills and techniques to generate speaking engagements and income. The set of competencies for this area include:

Organizing and operating a profitable speaking business (e.g., purchasing supplies, managing inventory, use and knowledge of office equipment and technology, cost control, maintaining financial records)

Selecting and working with staff

Developing a brand/image

Managing financial aspects of the business

Negotiating contracts, fees, and royalties

Scheduling/tracking speaking engagements

Planning business travel

Developing effective sales strategies

Developing productive marketing strategies

Developing and successfully marketing products

Designing brochures/promotional materials

Developing profitable market penetration

Developing relationships with bureaus, agents, and other distributor options/channels

Developing productive sales and marketing contacts

Learning about other associations in the meeting and convention industry

Expanding one’s speaking market (e.g., speaking internationally)

Earning client loyalty and providing customer service

Ethics - This competency refers to the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of the speaking profession. This competency provides an overview of the National Speakers Association, the speaking industry, and related professional associations. It relates to the knowledge and skills needed to behave ethically with individuals and groups with whom speakers often interact. It helps speakers and their staffs deal professionally and ethically with several types of industry associates, other speakers, those who hire speakers, and those who support speakers with products and services. The set of competencies for this area include:

• Becoming knowledgeable about the National Speakers Association
• Adhering to the NSA Code of Professional Ethics
• Staying current on what is state-of-the-art in professional speaking
• Working with other speakers
• Working with agents, bureaus, and other distributor options/channels
• Working with program/meeting planners
• Working with professionals serving speakers
• Interacting with the media

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