You don’t have to become a certified professional speaker to become of value to your clients. We know of many professional speakers who have done that. In the Philippines, I know of many speakers who don’t put any acronyms after their names. Not because they lack any credentials, but because clients know the value they provide.
However, many professional speakers saw the need to create associations that educate and certify speakers. There are many benefits to certification. I will share here 15 that I believe can be offered by a legitimate body, the purposes of which go beyond personal branding and marketing.
Public speaking is an essential skill in today’s world, whether it is for giving presentations, speaking at events, or communicating effectively in meetings. As with any profession, it is important to have a certain level of skill and expertise to be successful. This is where professional speaking certifications come in.
A professional speaking certification is a recognition by a professional body that a speaker has met certain standards and possesses the required skills and expertise in the field of public speaking.
Professional Speaking Certification
A professional speaking certification is a designation awarded by a professional organization to speakers who have demonstrated a certain level of expertise and competence in the field of public speaking.
To earn this certification, speakers usually need to complete a certain number of speaking engagements, undergo training, and pass an assessment.
This certification is often recognized globally and can lead to more speaking opportunities, higher earning potential, and increased recognition in the industry.
Trusted Certification Bodies
One trusted organization that offers professional speaking certification is the National Speakers Association (NSA) in the United States. The NSA offers the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, which is recognized globally and is a mark of excellence for speakers.
To earn the CSP designation, speakers need to meet certain criteria, including a minimum number of paid speaking engagements, earnings, and client satisfaction.
Another widely recognized organization is Toastmasters International. While Toastmasters is primarily known for its public speaking clubs and educational programs, it also offers an accreditation called the Accredited Speaker (AS) designation. The AS designation is awarded to Toastmasters members who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in professional speaking.
To earn this designation, members need to complete a series of speaking engagements and pass an assessment.
I want the Strategic Learning Consultants to initiate this endeavor. And I am also writing this to encourage those with the same mind to collaborate with me. This is my advocacy and not another stream of income. I will not be able to do this alone.
Anyhoo. Let’s proceed to the 15 benefits of being a certified professional speaker.
Benefits of being a certified professional speaker.
I am not going to convince you to come create a certifying body. You may go to Singapore and you will find organizations that can help you get certified as a professional speaker. I know of some Filipinos who have CSP accreditations, but they do their speaking outside the Philippines.
But the benefits are just so many that we ought to consider becoming certified professional speakers.
Credibility
Getting certified as a professional speaker increases your credibility. It shows that you have met certain standards and have been recognized by a professional organization.
For example, if you were to hire a fitness trainer, you would likely prefer someone who is certified rather than someone who is not.
Similarly, clients are more likely to hire certified speakers because it assures them of your skills and expertise.
Skill Enhancement
The process of getting certified usually involves training and assessment, which can help you enhance your speaking skills.
For example, the training may involve practicing public speaking, learning how to structure a speech, and receiving feedback from experts.
This is similar to taking a cooking class to improve your cooking skills. The more you practice and receive feedback, the better you become.
Competitive Advantage
Having a certification can give you a competitive advantage over other speakers who do not have any certification.
If two applicants apply for a job, and one has a certification while the other does not, the one with the certification is likely to be preferred. Similarly, clients are more likely to hire certified speakers because it sets them apart from others.
Professional Growth
Getting certified can lead to professional growth as it opens up more opportunities for speaking engagements and collaborations.
For example, being certified may lead to invitations to speak at conferences, workshops, or webinars. It is similar to getting a promotion at work; the more qualified you are, the more opportunities come your way.
Client Confidence
Clients are more likely to hire certified speakers as it gives them confidence in your abilities.
For example, if you were to hire a contractor to renovate your house, you would prefer someone who is licensed and certified because it assures you of their skills and expertise.
Similarly, clients feel more confident hiring certified speakers because it assures them of your quality and professionalism.
Industry Recognition
Being certified can lead to recognition in the industry, which can lead to more opportunities.
Being certified may lead to being featured in industry publications, receiving awards, or being invited to be a panelist at industry events.
It is similar to being recognized as an expert in your field, which can lead to more opportunities and visibility.
Networking Opportunities
Being part of a certifying body can provide networking opportunities with other certified speakers.
For example, being a member of a professional organization often involves attending meetings, conferences, and events, which provides an opportunity to network with other professionals in your field.
Being part of a certifying body provides opportunities to network with other certified speakers, which can lead to collaborations and referrals.
Continuous Learning
Most certifying bodies require continuous learning to maintain the certification, which ensures that you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.
For example, a doctor needs to continuously update their knowledge to stay current with the latest medical advancements.
Similarly, continuous learning ensures that you stay updated with the latest trends in the speaking industry, which helps you stay relevant and deliver high-quality presentations.
Increased Earning Potential
Certified speakers are often able to command higher fees for their speaking engagements.
For example, a certified public accountant (CPA) is often able to charge higher fees than a non-certified accountant because of their expertise and recognition by a professional body.
Being a certified speaker allows you to command higher fees for your speaking engagements because it assures clients of your skills and expertise.
Global Recognition
Many professional speaking certifications are recognized globally, which can open up opportunities for international speaking engagements.
For example, a certification from a globally recognized organization, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), is recognized worldwide and can lead to international coaching opportunities. Some Filipino trainers have been certified by ICF.
I know of two training companies here in the Philippines that have most of their trainers certified by ICF and they are very expensive.
A globally recognized speaking certification can open up opportunities for international speaking engagements.
Quality Assurance
Certification ensures that you maintain a certain level of quality in your speaking engagements.
For example, a certified electrician is required to follow certain standards and best practices to ensure the safety and quality of their work.
Similarly, being certified ensures that you maintain a certain level of quality in your speaking engagements, which leads to higher client satisfaction.
There are associations in the Philippines that provide education opportunities for trainers and speakers. I am yet to join any of them because I am looking for quality training. Perhaps, they’ll improve in the future. But having them is still much better for aspiring speakers than having nothing at all.
Professional Development
The process of getting certified often involves professional development, which can help you become a better speaker.
For example, a teacher often needs to take professional development courses to improve their teaching skills.
Similarly, the professional development involved in getting certified can help you improve your speaking skills and become a better speaker.
I learned much of my public speaking skills from Toastmasters. My goal of becoming an excellent professional speaker inspired me to bring together the first members of TOPS Toastmasters. Most of its founding members were professional speakers and trainers. By the way, TOPS means The Outstanding Professional Speakers.
I learned business strategies from my mentors who are professional speakers. And much of my business acumen from my experience. But I know that a body whose members are excellent professional speakers will greatly help.
Increased Visibility
Being certified can increase your visibility in the industry, making it easier for clients to find you.
For example, being listed on the website of a certifying body or professional organization can increase your visibility and make it easier for clients to find and hire you.
Similarly, being a certified speaker increases your visibility in the industry, making it easier for clients to find and hire you.
Of course, you can do that now by being an affiliate of an industry association. But being in the directory of certified professional speakers will have more weight.
Client Satisfaction
Certification ensures that you deliver high-quality presentations, leading to higher client satisfaction.
For example, a certified mechanic is likely to do a better job repairing your car than a non-certified mechanic, leading to higher satisfaction with the service.
Similarly, being a certified speaker ensures that you deliver high-quality presentations, leading to higher client satisfaction.
Industry Contribution
By getting certified, you contribute to the professionalization of the speaking industry.
For example, the more doctors that are board-certified, the more professional and standardized the medical industry becomes.
Similarly, the more speakers that are certified, the more professional and standardized the speaking industry becomes, which benefits everyone involved.
Establishing a certifying body in the Philippines can help make the speaking industry more professional and provide numerous benefits to speakers, clients, and the industry as a whole. It can lead to increased credibility, skill enhancement, competitive advantage, professional growth, client confidence, industry recognition, networking opportunities, continuous learning, increased earning potential, global recognition, quality assurance, professional development, increased visibility, client satisfaction, and industry contribution.
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