** The official almost monthly e-newsletter of the National Speakers Association of South Africa **
Your Board of Directors (BoD) [Treasurer position temporarily vacant]
Please note - unsubscribe procedure at the foot of this newsletter
Autumn 2005
[last issue - February 2005]
In this issue: (Note from the editor: We are aiming to keep the newsletter short and punchy with as much relevant information as possible. In order to do this, you will start seeing more and more hyperlinks [hyperlinks are usually underlined and in blue - if you click on one it usually takes you to a web page, email address or suchlike] taking you to specific pages on the NSASA and other websites. Best therefore to be online when you take off that 7 minutes off to digest the official newsletter of the only official professional speaking association in Africa! Enjoy - and please forward me your comments - good and bad!
1. IFFPS Global Speakers Summit feedback
2. Guest speakers recently
3. The NSASA matters
4. Upcoming meetings
5. Subscribe to member newsletters
6. National Speaker Conventions this year
7. The NSA magazine
** footnote: How to apply to join NSASA **
1. IFFPS Global Speakers Summit 31 March to 2 April - feedback
South African delegation - Stef du Plessis, Paul du Toit. Michael Jackson, Billy Selekane, Terry Zietsman, Gavin Sharples, Robbie Blake.
The successful staging of the inaugural Global Speakers Summit was an enormous victory for the Asia Speakers Association in Singapore and the IFFPS headed by Paul Bridle. The opening ceremony was heralded by flagbearers from the member and participating countries marching up to the front and placing their countries' flags on stage. During the course of the summit there were keynote addresses by some of the world's very best including Mark Sanborn, Warren Evans, Stef du Plessis, W. Mitchell, Tim Gard, Terry Paulson and more. On the first day at lunch, South Africa and Malaysia were officially awarded status as candidate members of the IFFPS. On the first evening showcase participants were invited to a gala dinner at the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore and photographed with the Raffles doorman. On the final day, 75 speakers showcased to bureaux, meeting planners, and event planners predominantly from Asia and Australasia, as well as other speakers from around the globe. It was an event we will never forget.
2. Guest Speakers Recently
We were fortunate to have an hour with Paul, current President of the IFFPS, who addressed us at the Grace Hotel. On his previous visit during May last year he addressed 12 people. This time, to the alarm of the Grace Hotel, he was greeted by over 60 people! This prompted "The Grace" to request respectfully that we keep our numbers down to 45.
2.2 Ron Arden 9 March and 19 March
On Wednesday 9 March, Ron Arden, widely regarded as the world's top speakers coach (Ron has coached people like Mark Sanborn, Patricia Fripp, Stef du Plessis etc), shared his expertise with us by critiqing tapes provided by three NSASA speakers. Ron's comments were direct and at times hard hitting, but the consensus was that it was an evening well spent and we all learned a great deal. Ron went on to conduct a full day session at the Conference Park, Rivonia on Saturday 19 March - once again unanimously good feedback from delegates. This was a rare opportunity, and those who took advantage of it are already seeing tangible results in their presentations. The message is clear - if you want to be a top class speaker you must be prepared to invest in yourself, your craft and your business.
Simon was in SA for 6 days and on the "Ides of March" gave a splendid example of a truly professional speaker at work. His delivery, warmth and style showcased an example of a speaker who takes his business seriously, but fortunately not himself! From branding, product, and platform skills to delivery Simon showed us how to release our brilliance. His presentation was warmly received. Thanks to Terry Zietsman for coordinating the gap in Simon's visit for us!
2.4 Warren Evans
Fresh from a keynote talk on day one of the Global Speakers Summit, the grandad of the professional speaking profession was kept busy during his week in RSA, but had time for a Wednesday evening session with us on the 13th, an invitation breakfast and a full day session on Saturday 16 April. Warren's insights and wisdom have given us plenty of direction in building a strong association where we can learn from others and one another in developing a speaking profession in this country that we can all be proud of.
3. NSASA Matters - Welcome Hanlie
The current membership has put us in a position to appoint an administrator and it is with pleasure that we welcome Hanlie Joubert on board. Hanlie is already taking a substantial amount of pressure off board members who have done so much to get NSASA where it is at this stage. In her first week with us Hanlie tied up a number of loose ends especially regarding trivial little bits of outstanding documentation required to complete some membership applications. Unfortunately, she was given a hard time by a few of our pending members who felt that they were already accepted. That was our fault (the board's), not hers. We ask that if Hanlie calls you on NSASA business that you give her your full cooperation and please don't shoot the poor messenger! I'm sure that you will find her, as we have, a pleasure to work with. In the spirit of the NSASA we trust that her efforts will be appreciated by all. Hanlie can be contacted during office hours on 011 787 0829.
It is with regret that we accept the resignation of Gail Cameron from the board due to work pressure. Gail has done a great deal for us in terms of providing a free temporary bookkeeping service in the initial stages (another big Thank you to Louise for this), her venue for our meetings (includes providing coffee/tea & washing up all the coffee cups afterwards) and loads of her time in the first 8 months. Thank you Gail - we are all deeply indebted to you! Gail remains a valued member of NSASA family.
4. Upcoming meetings
Monday 9 May Anthony Morris - How to market your speaking business
We will have a rare opportunity to see one of South Africa's most consistently successful international speakers teaching us the tricks of marketing a speaking businesses successfully.
Venue: The Avroy Shlain auditorium, Old Pretoria Road, Halfway House (Midrand).
Time: 17h30 for 18h30 - ends 21h00.
Price: Members R50, non-members R150
5. Subscribe to member newsletters (click on any of the member's names to view or subscribe to their newsletters)
Guy Lundy Login here and check half way down the home page (article)
We will advise once this is up and running - you will then be able to browse the options directly via our site and choose which newsletters you would like to receive.
6. Other National conventions coming up this year
Please go here (you need to be online) for information on forthcoming national conventions taking place worldwide in 2005. Below is a brief summary:
7. The NSA magazine - coming to professional members soon!
Professional Members are due to receive the NSA magazine starting this month directly from the USA to the postal address we have on record for you. Look out for it!
That's it, folks - until next time.
How to apply to join NSASA
*Already a member? Please forward to your associates who you feel may qualify for membership*
Membership of NSASA is open to speakers, coaches, trainers and facilitators who earn a significant portion of their income from these activities both self-employed or corporate. It is also open to new speakers aiming to make a career of any of these activities, and to suppliers of services to the industry such as bureaus. publishers, production houses, meeting planners etc. There are different membership categories, and membership forms are readily available in hard copy format at all our meetings, or by emailing Annie Greeff (Recruitment) mailto:enquire@nsasouthafrica.co.za . Forms are available on our official website. We urge you not to be put off by the initial bit of paperwork - it is important that applications are properly verified so that our association is representative of the people who make up this exciting industry. 
