The Eight Professional Competencies of the National Speakers Association encompass the specific skills needed to develop a professional speaking career. These competencies are the foundation of the National Speakers Association's Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) program.

1. Professional Awareness
   This is the "explanation" competency. It provides an overview of the speaking industry. Mastering this Competency provides an in-depth understanding of the National Speakers Association, related professional associations and sources of information, and support for maintaining a high level of mastery in the dynamic world of a professional speaker. details
   
   
2. Professional Relationships
   This is the "how to get along professionally" competency. It relates to the knowledge and skills needed to communicate with individuals and groups with whom speakers often interact. This Competency helps speakers and their staffs deal professionally with several types of industry associates, other speakers, those who hire speakers and those who support speakers with products and services. details
   
   
3. Topic Development
   This is the "creation" competency. It entails knowing the best topics for you, as well as researching and developing the content of your presentations and performances and the skills needed to develop them. This knowledge area also includes techniques for staying on the cutting-edge of topic selection and development skills. details
   
   
4. Platform Mechanics
   This is the "setup/staging" Competency. It involves the elements that can make or break a presentation/performance. It deals with the room, stage, props, equipment and setup people. Knowing and mastering setup/stage skills helps speakers create the setting for a successful presentation/performance. details
   
   
5. Presenting and Performing
   This is the "communication" Competency. It encompasses the theatrical and stage talents of speakers. It embodies the knowledge and skills of presenting/ performing to communicate with the audience. Personal talents, working with audiences and presenting/performing in one or more roles are the key components of this Competency. details
   
   
6. Authorship and Product Development
   This is the "extension" competency. Speakers can extend themselves beyond the stage/platform through authorship and product development. Mastering the knowledge and skills of this Competency helps speakers successfully convert the messages of their speaking topics into marketable products. details
   
   
7. Sales and Marketing
   This is the "developing business" competency. It involves sales and marketing knowledge, skills and techniques to generate speaking engagements and expand the impact of speakers' messages through product sales. If mastery involves wisdom, and wisdom involves the capacity to make finer and finer distinctions to discover uniqueness, that's what mastering sales and marketing strategies is about. Mastering this Competency results in comprehensive sales and marketing strategies for speaking engagements and products. details
   
   
8. Managing the Business
   This is the "administrative" Competency. The business of professional speakers requires continuous attention to many details. Mastering this Competency will help speakers manage the business side of their speaking activities professionally. details