What is a CSP?

Conferred by the National Speakers Association, the CSP is the speaking profession's international measure of professional platform competence. Only the top 10 percent of speakers have this credential, and it is earned by mastering the four professional competencies adopted by the NSA Board of Directors:

• Eloquence - The art of speaking and the use of powerful and persuasive presentations. This means creating the proper setting for an effective presentation as well as the concrete skills related to presenting, performing and theatrical methods.
• Expertise - Knowledge, skills and experience in a specific area. Speakers should know which body of expertise is ideal for them and be able to effectively research and develop their content.
• Enterprise - The purposeful undertaking of a successful speaking business venture. This includes business management, sales and marketing knowledge, as well as the skills necessary to generate income through speaking engagements and other revenue streams.
• Ethics - The principles or standards governing the conduct of those in the speaking profession. Ethics is the foundation and summation of the three other competencies. It is about who you are as a person - both personally and professionally - and encompasses your reputation, character and integrity.

This makes selecting a speaker much easier. Choosing a CSP gives you the opportunity of experiencing a speaker with a solid message, honed platform skills and a commitment to the profession.

A CSP brings a proven track record of expertise and excellence. CSP's are required to participate in ongoing education and held to the highest standards of the profession. They must maintain membership and subscribe to the NSA Code of Professional Ethics.