The spring 2020 speakers Academy Program

NIU Naperville (Northern Illinois University-Naperville) 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois

February 15 & 22, March 7 & 14, April 11 & 18

Each session contains essential information, ranging from improving platform skills to marketing and running your business. Participants will get the tools they need to succeed as professional speakers.

Sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at NIU Naperville (Northern Illinois University), 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville.

Sessions will include:

Orientation, Professional Awareness and Topic Development - FEBRUary 15

We’ll have an overview of the course, highlight the importance of the speaking profession, and then help you 1) identify your area of expertise and 2) how to define and refine your topic for your target audience.

Orientation Presented by Academy Deans Conor Cunneen and Cindy Tschosik and Professional Awareness and Topic Development  presented by Kevin O'Connor, CSP.

SALES AND MARKETING & PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS - FEBRUARY 22

Success in the speaking business depends on your ability to sell and market your services.  This class discusses successful strategies for positioning yourself to the people who hire speakers, the importance of the sales cycle, and the marketing techniques to get booked.

Presented by NSA Illinois President, Bill Guertin

PRESENTING, AND PERFORMING & PLATFORM MECHANICS - march 7

Developing your skills as a speaker includes your commitment to the profession, the art of presentations skills, and the logistics of speaking from the stage. You’ll learn about everything from “owning the room” to managing the microphone.

Presented by Catherine Johns

AUTHORSHIP/NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - March 14

Giving a speech isn't the only way professional speakers build their businesses.  Learn how to expand your platform and profits through books, workbooks, CDs, webinars and other products and services.

Presented by Past NSA Illinois President, Lori Miller and NSA Illinois President Elect, Allie Pleiter

MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS - april 11

You can be great on the stage, but a lot of your success will depend on what happens behind the scenes. This session focuses on how to set up and maintain the business side of speaking, so you can move this from a hobby into a profit center.

Presented by John Blumberg, CSP

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER-BEST PRACTICES AND GRADUATION - april 18

Time to take a bow! You've gone through the 10-module workbook, heard from top-notch speakers, and now it's time to give your own speech.  Everyone gets a little stage time.  Then we end the class by celebrating with the representatives of the NSA Illinois Board and our very own chapter CSPs.

COST

The investment in your future success is $795, which includes six 4-hour classes. NSA Illinois’ Speakers Academy alumni (graduates from the last five years only) may attend for a $195 reviewer fee. Reviewers also must complete the application

Please note: Once accepted and registered for NSA Illinois’ Speakers Academy, your program tuition will not be refunded, however make-up sessions are available for one year following the current session.

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