What Is a Certified Speaking Professional™—And Why Does It Matter for Your Event?
When you’re in the business of crafting unforgettable event experiences, every detail matters—and few decisions are more critical than the choice of speaker. After all, a speaker isn’t just a name on the agenda; they are the voice that sets the tone, delivers the message, and keeps your audience engaged long after the closing remarks. And let’s be honest—event professionals don’t just want a speaker with a polished website or flashy highlight reel; they need someone who has stood in front of real audiences, navigated unexpected challenges, and delivered results, time and time again.
That’s why the Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) designation holds weight. It’s not just another set of letters next to a name—it’s an assurance that the speaker standing before your audience has been rigorously vetted, tested, and proven to deliver excellence on stage.
As a CSP® myself, I don’t take this distinction lightly. Earning this designation was a journey of meeting the highest standards in professional speaking—an achievement that only a fraction of speakers worldwide have attained. It signifies a deep commitment to expertise, engagement, and ethics—qualities that every event professional seeks in a keynote speaker. But beyond personal achievement, the real question is: What does this mean for you? And why should it influence your next speaker selection?
Key Takeaways
The CSP® designation is a mark of excellence—certifying a speaker’s ability to engage, educate, and inspire at the highest level.
A Certified Speaking Professional™ must undergo rigorous evaluation—ensuring they meet strict standards in presentation skills, business ethics, and client satisfaction.
Hiring a Certified Speaking Professional™ reduces risk—event professionals can trust that they’re booking a speaker who has consistently delivered value and impact.
CSPs understand event dynamics—they are seasoned professionals who respect timelines, adapt to audience needs, and align with your event goals.
Certified speakers elevate audience engagement—they don’t just speak; they create memorable, results-driven experiences.
A Certified Speaking Professional™ is a speaker you can count on—backed by peer reviews, real-world experience, and a proven track record.
What Is a Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®)?
The Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) is the highest designation awarded by the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is globally recognized as a benchmark of speaking excellence. It is a designation that represents not only skill but also credibility, consistency, and commitment to the speaking profession. Those who hold this credential have demonstrated exceptional ability in delivering compelling presentations, managing a thriving speaking business, and maintaining the highest ethical standards.
As of writing this post, fewer than 400 speakers worldwide hold this credential, making it a rare and distinguished honor. The CSP® serves as a mark of long-term professional success, reassuring event professionals that they are working with a speaker who has consistently delivered impact, mastered audience engagement, and built a reputation that withstands industry changes and challenges.
To achieve this status, speakers must pass a rigorous evaluation that includes:
1. Demonstrating a consistent track record of paid speaking engagements over multiple years.
This process isn’t just an estimate or a rough tally—aspiring CSPs must meticulously document several hundred paid engagements, listing exact dates, client details, audience size, and compensation. Every entry must be verifiable, with a clear trail proving that these were legitimate, professional speaking engagements—not informal talks, volunteer appearances, or self-reported claims. Their track record must stand up to scrutiny, ensuring that they have consistently performed at a professional level across various stages, industries, and audience types.
2. Proving a sustained level of professional income from speaking, showcasing their business acumen and market demand.
Income verification goes far beyond a simple declaration of earnings. CSP® applicants must provide structured proof that their revenue from speaking engagements meets a set threshold year after year. Whether through payment records or employer verification letters, their income must reflect real market demand—demonstrating that clients have continuously invested in their expertise at a professional level. This ensures that the CSP® is not just an occasional speaker but a consistently sought-after expert who has built a sustainable and financially viable speaking business.
3. Receiving strong evaluations from event clients, ensuring a history of audience impact and satisfaction.
It’s not enough for a speaker to claim they deliver value—clients must confirm it. Applicants must secure written, direct, independent evaluations from clients who have booked them, providing feedback on their performance, audience engagement, professionalism, and ability to deliver a meaningful experience. These reviews aren’t generic testimonials or handpicked endorsements; they are structured assessments from decision-makers who must rate the speaker’s effectiveness based on a strict set of criteria. A CSP® doesn’t just impress an audience—they leave a measurable impact that professionals are willing to vouch for.
4. Passing an expert video review process, where experienced CSPs assess their stage presence, engagement, and effectiveness.
Unlike a polished demo reel or an edited highlight video, CSP® applicants must submit full-length, uncut footage of an actual speaking engagement—capturing their ability to command a room in real time. Experienced CSP® reviewers, who have themselves met the highest standards of the profession, evaluate their performance, audience interaction, clarity of message, and ability to deliver without reliance on heavy scripting or flashy production. The review process ensures that every CSP® has been tested not just in theory, but in action, proving they can hold an audience’s attention, adapt on the spot, and deliver genuine, high-impact presentations that resonate.
The CSP® designation is not just a title—it is a result of one of the most thorough and uncompromising validation processes in the industry. Every applicant must prove, with precise documentation and independent evaluation, that they have not only succeeded but done so consistently, across different settings, industries, and challenges. This level of scrutiny ensures that event professionals and conference hosts are not just hiring an engaging speaker but a tested, trusted expert who has demonstrated resilience, impact, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. When event professionals hire a CSP®, they are not taking a leap of faith; they are making a confident, informed decision backed by one of the most rigorous validations in the speaking profession.
When your event reputation is on the line, why gamble on unproven talent?
Why Should Event Professionals Prioritize a Certified Speaking Professional™?
Hiring a speaker for a conference is one of the most important decisions an event professional can make. A CSP® brings assurance that the speaker won’t just show up—but will show up prepared, polished, and impactful. They understand the intricacies of event logistics, respect the importance of staying on schedule, and adapt seamlessly to last-minute changes. CSPs have proven time and again that they can connect with diverse audiences, adjusting their message to resonate deeply with attendees. Their extensive experience ensures they can handle unexpected challenges with professionalism, whether it’s a technology failure, a shifted agenda, or an unpredictable audience dynamic.
For event professionals, working with a CSP® means collaborating with someone who is not only a powerful presence on stage but also a reliable and experienced partner in delivering a successful event.
1. A Certified Speaking Professional™ Is a Master of Engagement
Event audiences today expect more than just a speech. They crave interaction, insights, and tangible takeaways. They want a speaker who understands their challenges, speaks directly to their experiences, and provides actionable solutions. CSPs have been assessed for their ability to capture attention, sustain engagement, and leave lasting impact. They go beyond simply delivering content—they create learning experiences, foster meaningful conversations, and inspire audiences to think differently. A CSP® brings the ability to connect across cultures, industries, and generations, ensuring that every attendee walks away with something valuable, no matter their background or role.
2. A Certified Speaking Professional™ Reduces Your Event Planning Risk
With a CSP®, you eliminate the unknowns. No worrying about whether a speaker will show up, deliver subpar content, or fail to connect with the audience. A CSP® has already proven themselves through years of client validation, industry experience, and demonstrated consistency. They bring not only a wealth of knowledge but also the ability to handle unexpected challenges with professionalism and composure. Working with a CSP® ensures event professionals have a speaker who understands the nuances of different audience dynamics, integrates seamlessly with the event flow, and delivers measurable impact that resonates long after the event has ended.
3. A Certified Speaking Professional™ Is an Experienced Collaborator
Event professionals don’t just need a great speaker; they need a reliable, easy-to-work-with professional who understands the intricacies of event coordination. CSPs have proven track records of working alongside event teams, respecting schedules, handling last-minute adjustments, and seamlessly aligning their presentations with the broader event objectives. They come prepared, eliminating guesswork and ensuring a smooth, stress-free collaboration.
4. A Certified Speaking Professional™ Adapts to Diverse Audiences and Settings
A CSP® isn’t limited to one type of audience or industry—they bring the ability to adapt, customize, and resonate with different groups. Whether speaking to executives, frontline employees, or international delegates, a CSP® understands how to shift their approach to maximize impact. They can read the room, engage attendees meaningfully, and ensure their message is both relevant and compelling.
5. A Certified Speaking Professional™ Delivers Measurable Value
Beyond applause and positive feedback, a CSP® delivers real, measurable value to event professionals. Whether it’s increased attendee satisfaction, post-event engagement, or tangible takeaways that drive business results, CSPs focus on outcomes, not just inspiration. Event professionals can trust that a CSP® will not only engage the audience but also deliver insights that attendees can apply long after the event ends.
6. A Certified Speaking Professional™ Is Ethical and Professional
The CSP® designation isn’t just about talent—it’s also about character, ethics, and professionalism. CSPs adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring event professionals work with speakers who are not only skilled but also trustworthy, dependable, and committed to excellence. From contract negotiation to post-event follow-ups, CSPs uphold the professionalism that event professionals expect and deserve.
Anyone can hold a microphone. A CSP® has proven they can hold an audience—and the pressure of delivering an unforgettable event.
Certified Speaking Professional™: The Best Investment for Your Event
Every event professional aims for excellence. Every audience deserves the best. A Certified Speaking Professional™ delivers both.
With a proven track record, a commitment to engagement, and a guaranteed level of excellence, CSP® speakers offer event professionals peace of mind—knowing that their audience will be in exceptional hands.
So, the next time you’re choosing a speaker, ask yourself: Would you rather take a chance—or book a certified professional who is guaranteed to deliver?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
NSA Certified Speaking Professional™ Directory
This registry from the National Speakers Association provides a list of Certified Speaking Professionals™ who have met the rigorous standards required to earn the designation.
eSpeakers Certified Speaking Professional™ List
The eSpeakers platform maintains a list of Certified Speaking Professionals™, allowing event organizers to search, compare, and book CSPs® based on expertise, industry, and event needs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sylvie di Giusto, CSP®, is a globally recognized keynote speaker known for her cutting-edge 3D immersive presentations and interactive programs. With over two decades of corporate expertise, she empowers professionals to make strategic choices that enhance leadership, accelerate sales, and elevate their brand presence. As the author of numerous books, including Discover Your Fair Advantage and The Image of Leadership series, Sylvie combines research-driven insights with practical applications, helping leaders and organizations achieve measurable success.
