We are each unique — even if we speak about the same topic Associations for the Professional Speaker Associations can be important to the professional speaker for two sides of the business. On the input side you can develop your presentation skills, topic expertise and business smarts. On the output side you might speak to association audiences for fee or to market your business. Presentation Skills Toastmasters Toastmasters International is an association that teaches public speaking skills. It is not about professional speaking although many professional speakers developed their presentation skills with Toastmasters, including me. If you have never been to Toastmasters I recommend that you visit and try it out. You might be surprised at how much they can help you. If you think you are outstanding - they might teach you to be humble. I suggest that you visit more than one club to find one that has the best fit for you. Professional Speaking Associations GSF The Global Speakers Federation is the world body of professional speaking. When you join any one of the national professional speaking associations that are members of GSF you automatically become a member of the Global Speakers Federation. If you are or want to be a professional speaker join your national association of professional speaking. Visit their websites. Attend the annual conventions, workshops and monthly meetings. This is the best way to develop your professional speaking business. These associations are where you will meet and trade tips, ideas and inspiration with other professional speakers. You will be amazed at how much insider information members will share with you. These associations are not booking agents. You will not get bookings from these associations. It is possible that other speakers might refer business to you - but only after they get to know and respect you. There is an old expression, if you want to be successful, hang around successful people. Well if you want to be a professional speaker, hang around professional speakers. Here are the national professional speaker associations that are currently members of GSF. Visit the one that is most appropriate for you. CAPS The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers NSA National Speakers Association (USA) NSAA National Speakers Association of Australia NSANZ National Speakers Association of New Zealand PSA Professional Speakers Association (UK) APSS Asia Speakers Association (Singapore) MAPS Malaysian Association of Professional Speakers NSASA National Speakers Association of Southern Africa GSA German Speakers Association PSAH Professional Speakers Association Holland Training Associations CSTD The Canadian Society of Training and Development ASTD The American Society of Training and Development AMA American Management Association CMC Canadian Management Centre Meeting Industry Associations MPI Meeting Professionals International ASAE American Society of Association Executives CSAE Canadian Society of Association Executives George Torok Professional Speaker Guide to professional speaking  How to become a professional speaker  Get started as a professional speaker  Understand the business of professional speaking  Become a better speaker  Market your expertise  Articles for the professional speaker  Books for the professional speaker  Associations for professional speakers  More resources for professional speakers This information was compiled for the benefit of beginning and emerging professional speakers. There might even be some gems for some established speakers. If you find this helpful share it with other speakers and send me a note. © George Torok, Professional Speaker www.Torok.com 905-335-1997