National Speakers Association
Minnesota Chapter

2009-10 Institute for Professional Development Programs

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 five visions designed to meet the needs of individuals in different stages of professional development.

Several Information Night meetings are planned.

Apprentice Program
NSA-MN Apprentice Program participants experience an in-depth look at the business of professional speaking. In this dynamic and popular program, you will explore all dimensions of a successful speaking business. Program facilitators are NSA-MN Professional Members. Guest speakers are either Certified Speaking Professionals or Professional Members of the chapter.. Apprentice Program Information and Application PDF

Graduate Program
NSA-MN Graduate Program participants will explore the business of professional speaking in depth. In this impactful program, the emphasis is on application. All working sessions include a focus on peer learning and leader support. Graduate Program Information and Application PDF

Mentor to Membership Program
This program is for those who have participated in either the Apprentice or Graduate programs. The goal for NSA-MN Mentor to Membership participants is to achieve membership with NSA-MN by the end of the program. Mentor to Membership Program Information and Application PDF

Mentor to Mastery Program
This program is for current NSA-MN members who would like to master their profession or business focus. Mentor to Mastery Program Information and Application PDF

Toastmasters
NSA-Minnesota is committed to helping current and aspiring professional speakers develop their professional competencies. If you are looking for opportunities to develop your platform skills before pursuing a speaking career, one resource we recommend is Toastmasters.

“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