Accredited Speaker Aspirations: Documenting the Climb

"You should become an Accredited Speaker!"
In the competitive arena of professional speaking, the distinction of becoming aToastmasters Accredited Speaker is a coveted milestone, offering a blend of recognition and credibility that can significantly propel a speaker's career.

My journey towards this goal began under the mentorship of Kevin C. Snyder, a recent recipient of the National Speaker's Association's Certified Speaker Award (CSP). Kevin, known for his strategic approach to career milestones, proposed a more immediate target, the Toastmasters Accredited Speaker Program, achievable within one to two years.

This recommendation marked a transformative moment in my approach to professional growth. Delving into the Toastmasters Accredited Speaker Program Handbook and connecting with Sheryl Roush, an experienced Accredited Speaker, were pivotal. Roush opened the door for me to engage with a panel of Accredited Speakers, significantly enhancing my grasp of the program’s significance.

The Toastmasters Accredited Speaker Program stands as a testament to exceptional speaking proficiency, marrying deep subject matter expertise with outstanding oratorical skills. Since its establishment in 1981, the program has endorsed only 93 speakers.

This path requires a meticulous preparation strategy. While my background includes professional speaking engagements, the program requires finishing a set of educational steps called a Toastmaster Pathway. I chose the Presentation Mastery Pathway, which means I need to complete 13 advanced speeches or projects.

Additionally, the accreditation process demands thorough documentation of one's speaking career, including a minimum of 25 speeches delivered outside of Toastmasters, with at least 15 being paid engagements.

Despite the rigorous demands, the journey to becoming an Accredited Speaker is not just about personal achievement; it's about setting a standard of excellence and inspiring others in the professional speaking community to elevate their skills.

Achieving a big goal involves many steps. Through this blog, I plan to record my journey and share insights as I enhance my skills on the path to becoming an Accredited Speaker.