How to Join the National Speakers Association: Your Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
To learn how to join the National Speakers Association (NSA), you must demonstrate professional competency by documenting at least $25,000 in speaking-related revenue or 20 paid speaking engagements within the previous 12 months. Once you meet these criteria, you can apply online through the official NSA website, submit your proof of earnings, and pay the annual membership dues to gain access to the world’s premier community for professional speakers.
In my experience navigating the speaking industry for over a decade, joining the NSA was the single most important catalyst for my business growth. It shifted my perspective from being a “person who speaks” to a “business owner who provides expert solutions via the platform.” This guide provides the exact blueprint you need to qualify, apply, and thrive within the association.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Joining NSA
- Primary Requirement: $25k in revenue or 20 paid gigs in the last year.
- The “Not Yet” Path: The NSA Speaker Academy is available if you don’t meet the professional requirements yet.
- Application Process: Online submission + documentation verification + dues payment.
- Top Benefit: Networking with Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP) and CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductees.
- Local Value: Joining a Local NSA Chapter is highly recommended alongside national membership.
Understanding the Requirements: How to Join the National Speakers Association
The National Speakers Association is not a “hobbyist” club; it is a professional trade association. Because of this, they have strict “barriers to entry” to ensure that the community remains focused on the business of speaking.
To successfully navigate how to join the National Speakers Association, you must meet one of the following two professional criteria:
- Revenue Milestone: You have earned at least $25,000 through speaking-related activities in the 12 months immediately preceding your application.
- Volume Milestone: You have given at least 20 paid speaking presentations to audiences of 15 or more people within the last 12 months.
What Counts as Speaking Revenue?
Based on our analysis of NSA standards, “speaking-related revenue” is broader than just a check for a keynote. It typically includes:
- Keynote addresses and general session presentations.
- Workshops and breakout sessions.
- Seminar leading and corporate training.
- Coaching or consulting that results directly from a speaking engagement.
- Product sales (books, courses) sold at the back of the room or as part of a speaking contract.
The “Four E’s” of NSA Membership
The NSA evaluates its community based on four pillars. When you are preparing your application, keep these in mind:
- Eloquence: Your ability to deliver a powerful message.
- Expertise: Your deep knowledge of a specific subject matter.
- Enterprise: Your ability to run a profitable speaking business.
- Ethics: Your commitment to the NSA Code of Ethics.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Once you have determined that you meet the professional criteria, the actual process of how to join the National Speakers Association is straightforward but requires meticulous documentation.
Step 1: Gather Your Documentation
Do not start the application until you have your “proof” ready. The NSA staff performs audits on applications. You will need:
- A detailed spreadsheet of your gigs.
- Copies of contracts or invoices.
- 1099 forms or tax records showing speaking income.
- Verification from clients (if requested).
Step 2: Choose Your Membership Tier
The NSA offers different levels depending on where you are in your career.
| Membership Tier | Requirement | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Member | $25k revenue or 20 paid gigs | Established speakers looking to scale. |
| Speaker Academy | None (Education based) | Aspiring speakers or those under the $25k mark. |
| Student Member | Enrolled in an accredited college | Future professionals exploring the industry. |
| International | Member of a GSF affiliate | Speakers based outside the USA. |
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Visit the National Speakers Association official portal. You will be asked to create a profile and upload your documentation. Ensure your Professional Biography is polished, as this will be visible to other members once you are accepted.
Step 4: Pay Your Dues and Fees
As of 2024, the application typically involves a one-time application fee (approx. $100-$150) and an annual membership fee (approx. $495-$600). These numbers can fluctuate, so always check the latest rates on the NSA website.
The NSA Speaker Academy: The Path for Beginners
If you are researching how to join the National Speakers Association but realize you haven’t hit the $25,000 revenue mark yet, don’t worry. I started in the NSA Speaker Academy, and it was the best investment I made for my early career.
The Speaker Academy is a curriculum-based program designed to help you reach the professional membership requirements. It covers:
- Topic Development: Finding your “one big idea.”
- Marketing: How to create a “speaker one-sheet” and demo reel.
- Sales: How to find bureaus and event planners.
- Operations: Managing contracts, travel, and taxes.
Many local NSA chapters run their own Academy programs, providing a mix of video lessons from national experts and live “mastermind” sessions with local pros.
The Power of Local NSA Chapters
While the national organization provides the “big” resources (like Influence Magazine and the National Convention), the real magic often happens at the Local Chapter level.
There are over 30 chapters across the United States. When you are looking into how to join the National Speakers Association, I highly recommend looking for a chapter in your city (e.g., NSA Michigan, NSA North Texas, NSA Northwest).
Benefits of Local Membership:
- Monthly Meetings: Small group sessions where you can “test” new material.
- Peer Accountability: Finding “accountability buddies” to keep you on track with your prospecting.
- Vendor Referrals: Get honest reviews of local videographers, web designers, and editors.
- Referral Networks: If a local member gets an inquiry for a date they are booked, they often refer it to another local chapter member.
Advancing Your Membership: The CSP Designation
Once you have successfully learned how to join the National Speakers Association and have been a member in good standing, your next goal should be the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation.
The CSP is the speaking industry’s international measure of professional platform skill. Only about 17% of NSA members worldwide hold this professional designation.
CSP Requirements:
- Maintain Professional Membership for a specific period.
- Document 250 paid presentations within a 10-year period.
- Document earnings from at least 100 different clients.
- Submit video recordings for review by a panel of peers.
- Receive high ratings on client testimonials and evaluations.
Achieving the CSP is like earning a “Masters Degree” in speaking. It tells meeting planners that you are a low-risk, high-reward hire.
Maximizing Your ROI After Joining
Joining the NSA is an investment of both money and time. To get the most out of your membership, we recommend the following actions within your first 90 days:
- Attend the “Influence” Convention: This is the flagship annual event. It is 3-4 days of intensive learning from the best in the world.
- Access the Digital Vault: The NSA has an incredible library of past sessions, webinars, and templates.
- Update your Member Profile: Ensure your headshot, keywords, and video link are current in the NSA Member Directory. This is where many event planners search for talent.
- Volunteer: Join a committee. In my experience, volunteering for the NSA is the fastest way to build deep relationships with high-earning speakers.
First-Hand Perspective: Is NSA Worth It?
We have spent years interviewing professional speakers about their journey. The consensus is clear: NSA is worth it if you are serious about speaking as a business.
If you just want to “give a talk” once a year, the dues might not make sense. However, if you want to understand platform mechanics, intellectual property rights, and bureau relations, there is no better place.
I remember my first NSA meeting—I sat next to a speaker who was charging $20,000 per keynote. At the time, I was charging $500. Just by being in that room, my “ceiling” for what was possible was shattered. You aren’t just paying for a directory listing; you are paying for the environment of excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I join NSA if I only speak for free?**
No, the Professional Membership requires paid engagements. However, you can join the NSA Speaker Academy to learn how to transition from free speaking to paid professional speaking.
What is the difference between NSA and Toastmasters?**
Toastmasters is focused on basic communication and leadership skills in a supportive, amateur environment. NSA is a professional trade association focused on the business of speaking and professional-level performance.
How long does the application process take?**
Once you submit your documentation for how to join the National Speakers Association, the review process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. If your documentation is clear and verifiable, it can be even faster.
Do I have to join a local chapter to be a member of National?**
No, you can be a member of NSA National without joining a local chapter. However, most successful speakers find that the local chapter provides the most consistent value for networking and growth.
Does NSA help me find speaking gigs?**
While the NSA provides a directory that event planners use, it is not a booking agency. The association teaches you the skills to market yourself and find your own gigs, rather than handing them to you.
