What is a CSP?

Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation is the speaking profession's international measure of professional skill.

CSP is conferred by the US-based National Speakers Association and by the Professional Speakers Australia only on those 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 CSP?

It will make your job easier and give you peace of mind.

Success of your meeting or training is judged largely on the calibre, professionalism and appropriateness of the topic and presenter/s you select. Choosing a CSP increases the likelihood of providing 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 CSPs Are There?

Less than 10% of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation. The membership of the International Federation for Professional Speakers is comprised of professional speaking associations worldwide. CSP is the international standard that these associations agree represent competence in the speaking profession. There are approx 90 CSPs in Australia.

What Benefit Does a CSP Bring?

A CSP brings a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise.

  • CSPs are committed to ongoing education, outstanding service and ethical behaviour.
  • CSPs operate with a toolkit of tactics, approaches, topics and styles.

What Are the Criteria?

The Certified Speaking Professional designation is earned through a combination of professional association, professional education, professional performance and professional business management standard.

Every CSP must:

  • maintain membership and subscribe to the code of professional ethics
    • serve minimum 15 different clients and present minimum of 50 professional speaking or training engagements within 5 years
    • submit testimonial letters from clients served
    • submit and be assessed by a peer review board on their eloquence, expertise and enterprise
    • continue education in the professional speaking field

Professional Speakers Australia

Professional Speakers Australia www.professionalspeakers.org.au was established in 1987 and its foundation and evolution has largely been modelled on its U.S. counterpart, the National Speakers Association, with whom it enjoys a close relationship. It is the only professional body representing the members of the professional speaking industry.

It exists to develop, promote and uphold the highest possible standards of the profession for the benefit of both its members and the public they serve.