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. During the first year of this popular program, you will explore all dimensions of a successful speaking business. Apprentice Program Information and Application PDF

Graduate Program
NSA-MN Graduate Program participants will explore the business of professional speaking in depth. In the second year of this popular two-year program, the emphasis is on application. 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

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!

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