National Speakers Association
Minnesota Chapter

Institute for Professional Speaker Development

The Institute of Professional Speaker Development (IPSD) is a service of NSA-Minnesota.  The purpose of the IPSD is designed to provide professional education for those interested in speaking as a profession.  The IPSD consists of three visions designed to meet the needs of individuals in different stages of professional development.

Apprentice Program
Individuals experience an in-depth look at the business of professional speaking. Program facilitators are NSA-MN Professional Members. Guest speakers are either Certified Professional Speakers or Professional Members of the Minnesota chapter.  Individuals in this popular eight month program will:

• Explore all dimensions of a successful speaking business
• Learn the four competencies of a successful speaking business
• Identify their expertise and speaking topics
• Explore to develop their personal “brand” and speaking style
• Discover how to create programs that sell
• Learn how to establish and negotiate speaking fees
• Gain valuable insight into the sales and marketing process
• Identify the keys to creating a sound business plan
• Learn to manage their speaking business effectively
• Learn to create effective, appealing marketing materials
• Learn the importance of telling stories and delivering with impact
• Discover how to network with meeting professionals

Apprentice Program Information & Application PDF

Graduate Program
This five month program is designed for those who have completed the “Apprentice Program,” or existing professional speakers who want to take their business to the next level.  Program facilitators are NSA-MN Professional Members. Guest speakers are either Certified Professional Speakers or Professional Members of the Minnesota chapter.  This program focuses on topics that include:

• Building a Business Plan designed to succeed with your business model
• Practical utilization of the Four Key Competencies of NSA
• Taking steps to develop sales and the marketing of your business
• Networking with other Professional Speakers
• Presenting your Business Plan to a panel of successful speakers for feedback and guidance

Graduate Program Information & Application PDF

Advanced Speaker Development Series
This series is a new offering of NSA-MN designed for prospective and established professional speakers.  It provides single workshop topics from established speaking professionals on specific topics such as:

• Platform Mechanics
• Sales & Marketing
• Developing The Stories Within Your Presentations
• Meeting Room Setup & Management

Learn from the pros who have been where you want to go!

“This program was my roadmap to breaking into the speaking industry! Just 5 months into this program, I managed to start my own speaking and seminar business! I’m absolutely thrilled with my progress, and I owe a big thanks to the instructors, all the presenters, and the NSA-MN chapter staff. I can’t wait for the graduate program—Count me in!”- Vitalia Bryn-Pundyk, participant