Fourth quarter update from
the President of NSA-IL

Usually by the fourth quarter, a football game has the best team racing for the goal line, and that strategy is no exception for NSA - IL. The last quarter of the calendar year is the first quarter of our NSA season and we are already charging down the field with great programming and innovative new ideas for coming together as community, speaking better and building our businesses.

November 14th is national Spirit of NSA Day in honor of our founder, Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE. Cavett had a vision for an organization where professional speakers could convene to improve their presentations, exchange ideas and share experiences. He felt that everyone involved in the speaking profession would benefit from growing the number and quality of professional speakers.

Break out the marching band for a celebration and recognition of Cavett’s vision. Better yet, in recognition of Spirit of NSA Day (Cavett’s birthday) we would like to recognize members, guests and candidates who embody the supportive and giving spirit of Cavett and NSA. Please take a moment to reflect on the person or persons in NSA who have embraced the spirit of NSA and have supported you along the way.  Jot down a short comment about this person, and send to program chair, Deb DiSandro deb@slightlyoff.com by November 10th.  We will see that these people are recognized in a special way at the next Fab Friday on Nov. 14th.

New innovative ways for us to come together as a progressive speaking community are on the calendar this quarter as well. Pros Power Hour and Seasons of Speaking are just two new offerings.

Our first string Fabulous Friday line up this quarter includes Jolene Jang, the “Fun Specialist” and president of the NSA Northwest chapter in Seattle. November brings us Rory Vaden, co-founder of a multi-million dollar professional development company and Toastmaster's International’s, first runner up in "The World Champion of Public Speaking."

Every four years in this country November is all about “hiring” a new CEO to lead our nation. On that presidential note, NSA’s own national president Sam Silverstein brought his message to our chapter about “Keeping it Real.” He encouraged us to do what we love, with the result that we will work a lot harder, while loving what we do.
           
We couldn’t become better speakers and build our businesses without continuing education and tools. Two magnificent offerings are coming our way both this quarter and next with the NSA Fall and Winter Conferences.  The 2008 Fall Conference is November 20 - 23, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The 2009 Winter Conference will be held February 12 - 15, 2009 in Orlando, FL. I encourage you to take action in attending either one of these conferences.
           
Our theme for NSA – IL this year is “Actions! Speaking Louder Than Words.” Take action in thanking a friend for mentoring. Send in the name of a fellow speaker who embodies the spirit of Cavett Roberts.  Finally, as we share Thanksgiving with our family and friends, be thankful that as speakers we are able to share our abundance, influence audiences in caring and positive ways, and spread the word.

Cheryl A. Kuba
NSA –IL president

Cheryl Kuba
NSA-IL President

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