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.

All sessions are held VIRTUALLY on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

ORIENTATION, PROFESSIONAL AWARENESS AND TOPIC DEVELOPMENT – OCTOBER 9 

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

Syllabus Presented by Academy Deans Conor Cunneen-IrishmanSpeaks and Kevin O'Connor, CSP

Guest Faculty:  To be confirmed

SALES AND MARKETING & PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS – OCTOBER 16 

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. 

Guest Faculty: To be confirmed

CONNECTING AND ENGAGING WITH YOUR VIRTUAL AUDIENCE – NOVEMBER 13 

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 be it on-site or virtual You’ll learn how to connect and engage with your audience whether they are 10 yards or 1,000 miles away from you! 

Guest Faculty: To be confirmed

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/STREAMS OF INCOME – NOVEMBER 20 

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. 

Guest Faculty: To be confirmed

MANAGING YOUR BUSINESS -  DECEMBER 4 

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. 

Guest Faculty: To be confirmed

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER-BEST PRACTICES AND GRADUATION –DECEMBER 11 

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. 

Special Guest Speaker:  To be confirmed

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