Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, joining speaking associations can be transformative for your public speaking career. These associations provide resources, training, networking, and certification opportunities that cater to speakers at various stages. Here, we’ll delve into ten key public speaking organizations, highlighting their events, costs, and certifications to help you choose the best fit for your career.

1. National Speakers Association (NSA)

• Events: NSA hosts two significant conferences each year: Inspire and Thrive. Inspire is designed to help public speakers enhance their ability to engage and impact audiences, while Thrive focuses on the strategies and skills needed to successfully manage and grow a speaking business. Throughout the year, NSA also offers various workshops and regional events through its local chapters.

• Cost: Annual membership is around $595, with additional fees for local chapter memberships.

• Certifications: NSA offers the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, recognized as the highest standard for professional speakers. The certification process requires extensive experience and a demonstration of competence in public speaking.

2. Toastmasters International

• Events: Toastmasters hosts International Speech Contests and a yearly convention, where members can compete and network. Local clubs also have regular meetings and contests.

• Cost: Membership costs approximately $45 every six months, plus any club dues.

• Certifications: Toastmasters provides a structured Pathways program, offering eleven different paths such as Dynamic Leadership and Presentation Mastery. Each path includes various levels of certification that build communication and leadership skills.

3. Association for Talent Development (ATD)

• Events: ATD’s annual International Conference & Exposition is a major event for speakers interested in training and development. They also offer webinars, workshops, and regional events.

• Cost: Professional membership starts at $279 per year, with additional costs for events and certifications.

• Certifications: ATD offers the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) certifications, which are highly regarded in the training and corporate speaking industry.

4. Professional Speakers Association (PSA)

• Events: PSA organizes annual conventions, such as MEGA in the UK and PSA Convention in Australia, where members gather for learning and networking.

• Cost: Membership fees vary by country. For example, PSA UK & Ireland membership costs around £250 annually.

• Certifications: PSA offers a progression system in the UK that includes Associate, Member, and Fellow levels, providing a clear path for professional growth and recognition.

5. International Association of Professional Speakers (IAPS)

• Events: IAPS hosts global webinars and conferences that focus on advancing the speaking profession, with participation from renowned speakers worldwide.

• Cost: Membership fees start at around $300 annually, with varying costs for different events.

• Certifications: IAPS does not offer specific certifications, but they provide professional development resources and access to global speaking opportunities.

6. Global Speakers Federation (GSF)

• Events: GSF organizes the Global Speakers Summit, a biennial event that rotates through different countries and draws speakers from across the globe.

• Cost: Membership is often included through affiliated organizations (e.g., NSA, PSA), so costs vary depending on your home association’s fees.

• Certifications: GSF recognizes the certifications from its member associations, providing an international platform for speakers to gain recognition across multiple countries.

7. Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS)

• Events: CAPS holds an annual National Convention, regional events, and webinars focused on various aspects of the speaking business.

• Cost: Membership costs around CAD $450 per year, with additional fees for local chapter events.

• Certifications: CAPS offers access to the NSA’s CSP certification and has its own CAPS Member Certification, which reflects a commitment to professional speaking standards in Canada.

8. Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

• Events: MPI hosts World Education Congress (WEC) and European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), events where public speakers can network with meeting planners and industry professionals.

• Cost: Membership starts at $399 per year, with discounts for students and young professionals.

• Certifications: While MPI doesn’t offer public speaking certifications, their Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) and Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) can be beneficial for speakers working in specialized fields.

9. Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC)

• Events: YEC offers exclusive events, retreats, and virtual meet-ups tailored to young professionals. They also provide opportunities for members to participate in speaking engagements and mentorship programs.

• Cost: Membership is invitation-only and typically includes a one-time initiation fee plus annual dues, which start at around $1,000.

• Certifications: While YEC does not provide formal certifications, they offer personal branding services and access to a network of speaking opportunities through their platform.

10. Rotary International

• Events: Rotary organizes local, regional, and international conferences. Clubs regularly invite speakers, providing a steady stream of speaking engagements.

• Cost: Membership fees vary by club, typically ranging from $200 to $500 annually.

• Certifications: Rotary doesn’t offer specific certifications for public speakers, but the exposure and practice opportunities it provides can significantly enhance your speaking portfolio.

Conclusion

Joining a speaking association can provide you with invaluable resources, professional connections, and opportunities to refine your skills and grow your speaking career. Whether you’re seeking advanced training, industry certifications, or a network of like-minded professionals, these public speaking organizations have something to offer every speaker.

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