Johannesburg, 13 March 2023 - In celebration of the inspiring work carried out by professional speakers across the globe, the 17 member organisations of the Global Speakers Federation (GSF) will shortly mark a new worldwide day: Professional Speakers Celebration Day. The day takes place on 14 March 2023, which is known as "Pi Day” because of its 3.14 numerical representation.

What is the connection between pi and professional speakers? Cavett Robert, co-founder of the National Speakers Association (NSA), saw it clearly, saying upon formation of the NSA: “Don’t worry about how we [professional speakers] divide up the pie. There is enough for everybody. Let’s just make a bigger pie!"

Charlotte Kemp, President-Elect of the GSF, explains, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a phenomenal sharing of knowledge and raising of skills and practice amongst speakers across the globe.”  In this spirit, professional speakers now look forward to signalling, loudly and proudly, that the speaking profession is strong and growing and, perhaps more importantly, that there is enough room for talent of all types.

This comes even after the pandemic levelled live performance-related industries, but also forced speakers and event organisers to embrace new speaking technologies. Notwithstanding the considerable challenges, these technologies made it easier for valuable messages and teachings to reach larger, more diverse audiences.

In Southern Africa, the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) intends to use Professional Speakers Celebration Day to highlight the skill, knowledge, and experience of professional speakers, coaches, trainers, and facilitators from across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Its 6 core values: Confidence, Competence, Courage, Celebration, Collaboration, Community

Its 10 speaking competencies: Niche, Positioning, Structure, Business Model/Deal Closure, Personal Influence, Vocal Skills, Stage Craft, Audience Engagement, Technology

• Its 4 main membership types:
  • Professional Members (those who have designed speaking businesses and earn their primary income from related products)
  • Associate Members (early-stage speakers beginning their careers and intending to build speaking businesses in time)
  • Affiliate Members (professionals, leaders and businesspeople who use speaking in their work but are not professional speakers)
  • Student Members (young speakers, aged 18 to 25, who are on a professional career path and want to develop their speaking skills)

Says Bruce Wade, President of the PSASA, “In the shared worldwide celebration of Professional Speakers Celebration Day, we can strengthen the global speaking community, build relationships across borders, and create a more inclusive, inspiring future for all. We, the 17 member organisations of the GSF, call on the industry to come together on 14 March, to honour the inspiring work of professionalspeakers and to create awareness of the quality of the events space in the region.”

There are approximately 200 PSASA members at present, comprising a large community of speakers, trainers, facilitator’s and coaches. Fourteen of these have achieved the elite international Certified Professional Speaker (CSP) accreditation. Three are Global Speaking Fellows, having achieved their CSP and spoken at a significant number of events in different regions of the world. These veterans demonstrate – and generously share – business acumen, specialised knowledge, and their mastery of key competencies unique to global markets.

The global public speaking market is expected to reach $9.6 billion by 2025, according to Grand View Research, while in the United States, the speaking industry is estimated to be worth over $2 billion per year, per the NSA.

 “Southern Africa’s professional speaking industry is comparatively small, but there are significant opportunities for growth and development, particularly as the region continues to embrace emerging technologies and adapt to changing circumstances,” says Tsitsi Mutendi, PSASA’S Deputy President.

HASHTAGS ~ #proudtospeak #professionalspeakersday #speakersday #speakersday2023

About the PSASA

The Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) is a membership body of professional speakers, together with associate and affiliate members and developmental students. The Association exists to support the common needs of member speakers, trainers, coaches, facilitators, and others in the profession across a range of speaking and business competencies. For more information, visit https://www.psasouthernafrica.co.za or contact Bruce Wade, PSASA President, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the GSF
The Global Speakers Federation (GSF) exists to provide support and resources to leaders of Speaking Associations around the world. It works to strengthen worldwide recognition of the speaking profession; gain and share knowledge on forming, managing, and leading speaking associations; and build a global community of like-minded people to encourage alliances, connections, and support networks. The GSF currently comprises 17 independent speaker associations representing nations and individuals from over 20 countries. Go to https://www.globalspeakersfederation.net for more or contact Charlotte Kemp, President-Elect of the GSF, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF PSASA

For more information contact:
Lunice Johnston Communications
Lunice Johnston
Mobile: +27 82 824 6384