Mary’s CPAE and CSP Designations
and Certified Virtual Presenter
CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame
In August 2020, Dr. Mary C. Kelly
was inducted into the NSA-CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame.
National Speakers Association Inducts Mary Kelly, Ph.D.
into the Speaker Hall of Fame
The National Speakers Association (NSA) inducted Commander Mary Kelly, Ph.D., into the Speaker Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony in August 2020. Kelly is among an elite group of only 255 professional speakers throughout the world to ever receive this honor. Past recipients include Ronald Reagan, Norman Vincent Peale, Ken Blanchard, Jeanne Robertson, and General Colin Powell.
“Thank you to everyone who is part of this amazing community. I’m honored to be with you tonight, humbled beyond belief by this amazing award, and thrilled to serve this community of people dedicated to changing the world,” Kelly said during the induction ceremony.
In presenting the award, Tim Gard noted that Mary Kelly, “Is someone who handles every situation with grace and humor.”
“Mary Kelly is one of the most creative and motivating speakers I have ever worked with.
Energetic, creative, witty, genuine, and extremely knowledgeable! She’s the BOMB!” declared Michael Paulovich, Project Management Office.
“Mary hit it out of the park with our wine ambassadors. She taught them how to manage their time, be productive leaders, and most importantly, how to create business plans. She understood our business as if she had been working with us for years,” said Melissa Lynch, Boisset Collection.
About the National Speakers Association
The National Speakers Association (NSA) is part of a global network of more than 3,000 members whose skills, expertise, and experience represent the most recognized and respected community of thought leaders in the industry.
Founded in 1973 by Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE, NSA has comprehensive resources, cutting-edge tools, insightful education, and productive events that speakers need to develop their brands and grow their businesses. NSA members include experts in a variety of industries and disciplines, who reach audiences as speakers, trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, consultants, and authors.
In February 1977, the National Speakers Association established the Council of Peers Award for Excellence© Speaker Hall of Fame to honor professional speakers who have reached the top echelon of platform distinction. Inductees are evaluated by their peers through a rigorous and demanding process and must excel in seven categories of speaking excellence and professionalism.
Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)
In 2014, Dr. Mary C. Kelly earned the prestigious
CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation.
What is a CSP Designation?
The Certified Speaking Professional designation is the speaking profession’s international measure of professional platform skill. The CSP is conferred throughout the International Federation for Professional Speakers only on those who have earned it by meeting strict criteria. The letters CSP following a speaker’s name indicate a speaking professional with proven experience who understands what is required and knows how to deliver client satisfaction.
Why should you hire a CSP?
It will make your job easier! The success of your meeting or conference will be judged largely on the caliber, professionalism, and appropriateness of the topic and presenter you select. Choosing a CSP maximizes your opportunity of providing a speaker who delivers a message that will focus, elevate and enhance the mission of your meeting and stick firmly in the memories, attitudes, and action plans of your attendees.
How many CSPs are there?
About 12% of the 5,000+ speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation.
What benefit does a CSP bring to your meeting?
A CSP brings a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise. CSPs are committed to ongoing education, outstanding service, and ethical behavior.
“It’s truly an indication that a speaker has achieved a higher level of professionalism. It’s something we look for first. I reduce my risk by hiring someone with a CSP.”
WILLIAM BESS, MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES OF AMERICA
“When I have a choice of a speaker who is a CSP or not, I will select the speaker who is a CSP.”
MICHELLE LEMMONS, INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS BUREAU
Certified Virtual Presenter
In January 2020, Dr. Mary C. Kelly
became a Certified Virtual presenter.
What is a Certified Virtual Speaker?
The shift to online meetings brought on by Covid-19 has highlighted the urgent need for event organizers to find speakers who deliver their content remotely.
Speakers who display the Certified Virtual Presenter badge on their website and eSpeakers profile have been tested for:
- Solid equipment setup with good microphones, cameras, and lighting
- A presenting background environment free of noise and distraction
- Internet connection speed and quality
- Ability to recover from disconnection and return quickly to the meeting
- Good use of visual aids, and Q&A capabilities with the audience
In addition, each certification provides a short “virtual proof” video of the presenter, recorded by the certifier during a virtual meeting, so that event organizers can see first-hand what they’ll be getting.
The Certified Virtual Presenter standard has support from leading industry organizations:
- Meeting Professionals International
- Smart Meetings
- Senior Planners Industry Network
eSpeakers is a 20-year-old technology and marketing company providing the speaking industry with an online platform for connecting audiences with the great presenters. With unique desktop and mobile tools, online contracting and payment, and real-time availability, putting the perfect speaker in front of an audience is easy and safe with eSpeakers.
