TSG Speakers Bureau Reference Guide: Professional Speakers

This installment of The Speakers Group speakers bureau's reference guide defines what qualifies an individual as a professional speaker, and how these speakers can be partners to meeting professionals in creating dynamic, successful meetings and conferences.

What defines one as a professional speaker?

A professional speaker is, in the simplest sense, an individual who makes his or her living from speaking engagements. In addition, a true professional speaker has dedicated the necessary time and attention to developing his or her craft to a level of excellence. Many professional speakers are members of the National Speakers Association, which has set forth a list of professional competencies to be mastered by NSA members.

Professional speakers are classified in a variety of categories, including motivational speakers, inspirational speakers, sales speakers, keynote speakers, educational speakers and many more.

How does one become a professional speaker?

Professional speakers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some individuals set out to become a professional speaker in order to deliver a message they feel passionate about or to speak about a subject in which they have developed a particular expertise. Others have become professional speakers after a natural transition from another career. For example, some are former corporate executives who have become in-demand to share their unique management or leadership practices, while others are exciting adventurers whose stories of amazing achievements have become highlights of conferences and conventions.

What are the Professional Competencies of professional speakers?

NSA Past President Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE is noted for his initial work in creating the Professional Competencies and his continuous support of the professional development activities of NSA. The Professional Competencies are as follows:

Expertise: This competency refers to knowledge, skills and experience in a specifically-defined area, with a particular emphasis on the application of this knowledge, these skills, or experience.

Eloquence: This competency refers to the art of speaking and the use of powerful and persuasive presentations. It embodies the knowledge and skills of presenting, performing, theatrical methods as well as techniques for creating the proper setting for an effective presentation.

Enterprise: This competency refers to the skills needed in the purposeful undertaking of a successful speaking business venture. It involves business management, sales and marketing knowledge, and the skills and techniques needed to generate income through speaking engagements and other revenue streams.

Ethics: This competency refers to the principles or standards governing the conduct of the members of the speaking profession. It is the foundation and the summation of the three other competencies.

(These definitions of the NSA's Professional Competencies are courtesy of the National Speakers Association web site.)

Who are some of the most popular professional speakers?

There are a number of outstanding professional speakers available to enrich a meeting, conference or convention. Some of the most popular and most requested professional speakers include Chip Eichelberger, Zig Ziglar, Tony Alessandra, Karyn Buxman, Danny Cox and Amanda Gore. All of these speakers have proven very effective in connecting with meeting objectives and delivering a relevant message to the audience. To search for additional professional speaker candidates for your meeting, visit The Speakers Group's speaker search page and explore speakers who match your desired topic and budget.