Certified Speaking Professional – CSP
Certified Speaking Professional – CSP:
A Heartfelt Milestone in My Speaking Career
Grateful Reflections on Achieving CSP
Becoming a Certified Speaking Professional – CSP is more than a professional title—it’s a profound achievement marking one of the proudest moments in my speaking career.
Since the day I learned that being a “professional speaker” was a career, I dreamed about earning my CSP. Last week, I finally got to stand on that stage, in front of 1,000 of my peers from across the world, as I was awarded the highest earned designation in the speaking industry. Less than 17% of professional speakers worldwide have achieved this honor, bestowed by the National Speakers Association.
This didn’t happen without years of blood, sweat and tears, This wasn’t accomplished overnight. And most importantly, this didn’t happen without commitment, grit, failure, hard work and support.
The Journey: From Passion to Pinnacle
Pursuing CSP demanded relentless effort, discipline, and resilience. Earning this distinction—a mark held by fewer than 17% of speakers globally—required:
- Delivering 250+ paid presentations across five years.
- Consistently exceeding expectations for more than 100 organizations and audiences.
- Submitting rigorous peer reviews: not just on stage performance, but business ethics, client satisfaction, income, and ongoing professional growth.
Every single keynote, workshop, and virtual event asked me to rise higher: to prepare, practice, learn, adapt, and deliver value. The late nights, the cross-country flights, and even moments of self-doubt were real. But my passion for helping people shift their mindsets and lead their best lives gave me the energy to keep climbing.
The Heart of My Success: My Clients
None of this would be possible without the organizations, event planners, and audiences who welcomed me onto their stages and into their lives. Your trust, your feedback, and your willingness to partner with me fueled my pursuit of excellence.
To every client who chose me, offered a testimonial, or sent a note of thanks—you have shaped who I’ve become as a speaker. Your challenges inspired fresh solutions, Your stories brought new insights, Your encouragement provided the strength I needed to keep pushing forward.
To all my past clients: thank you for giving me your platform, your people, and your partnership. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine.
The Joy and Responsibility of Earning CSP
Holding the CSP designation fills me with extraordinary joy and deep gratitude. It’s the result of perseverance through setbacks, embracing feedback with courage, and striving to improve every single day.
But this milestone also carries new meaning: a commitment to maintain the highest standards, evolve with every experience, and offer unwavering enthusiasm to every engagement. As a CSP, I pledge to keep innovating, keep serving, and keep inspiring.
Looking Back and Ahead
Reflecting on my path—from my days as a student leader in 4-H, being an NFL cheerleader to now being recognized as a peak performance architect and leadership speaker recognized for my signature keynote: Rally Mentality™, CSP represents the summit of my efforts, but also a starting line for the next phase of giving back.
If you’re dreaming of this milestone, know the journey is challenging, rewarding, and worth every ounce of dedication.
From My Heart: Thank You
To my clients, mentors, friends, and family: your belief in me is the foundation of this achievement. Thank you for making it possible. I can’t wait to discover what we can accomplish together as I carry the Certified Speaking Professional – CSP badge into future events, keynotes, and transformative experiences. Let’s keep rallying, keep growing, and keep making an unforgettable impact—together!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shannon McKain is a motivational keynote speaker and a business consultant based in Dallas. She has worked in nearly all 50 states with audiences ranging from corporate executives to student leaders. Looking for a keynote speaker or consultant who can speak on these issues with expertise? Let’s chat!
