Speakers Forum - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Speakers Forum?
A Speakers Forum is a group of 8–10 permanent members who meet on a regular
basis, in a structured and trusting atmosphere. The members share and discuss
topical issues relevant to their speaking careers, their businesses more broadly or, as
they feel comfortable, family and personal matters.
Members of a forum may be from the same state, may come together from a defined
set of two or three states or may form a national group.
Who can be involved?
Any financial member of NSAA can join a forum. In fact, the association hopes that
every member will. (By way of comparison, the Young Presidents Association – YPO
– has 75% of its membership involved.)
How will groups be formed?
You need to apply to join a forum here on the Web site. Log in
using the box on the right.
All applications will be considered by
a Speakers Forum Manager. Initially, the Manager will bring together people who he
or she thinks are likely to form a cohesive group. Once forums are established,
entrance to any particular forum will be entirely up that forum’s membership.
Will members be of a similar level in their careers?
Each Speakers Forum will be formed initially by NSAA members with a similar level
of accreditation. As forums develop, the basis of their membership will depend on the
wishes of the existing members and the interest of any potential new member.
We have an existing mastermind group. Can we form a Forum?
Yes. There is the opportunity in the application process on the website to have your
existing group form the core of a new Speakers Forum
Could I be in competition with other members of my Speakers Forum?
No. If you feel uncomfortable in this regard when joining a forum, you will have the
opportunity to move to a different forum. When you are already a Speakers Forum
member, you will have to satisfy yourself that any new member will not be in close
competition with you.
If a member changes his or her professional focus whilst on a forum, and in doing so
becomes a competitor of another member, the member who made the change will be
obliged to resign.
Can I join more than one Speakers Forum?
Yes. Some people may wish to join both a local forum and an interstate or national
one. However, in deciding whether or not to join more than one forum, you will need
to consider both the time commitment and your ability to properly support all the
members of the forums you might be on.
How often, and where, will we meet?
State based Speakers Forums usually meet once a month, for about 4 hours.
Interstate and National Forum groups generally meet 4-5 times a year for 8-10 hours.
However, the actual meeting frequency and length is a matter for each forum’s
members to agree on.
How will we know what to do?
Each Speakers Forum will be provided with documentation and training, including
definition of the various roles to be played. In all you will be given clear instruction
and comprehensive, detailed manuals which will provide you with ample information.
What will we talk about?
Speakers Forums can discuss all manner of issues including business, family and
personal. It really depends on the level of comfort the members have developed with
each other. The agenda allows for each member to raise issues they would like to
discuss, for these issues to be prioritised and for one or two of these issues to be
presented and discussed in some depth.
Why are there so many rules?
One of the strengths of Speakers Forum is that it is built on a proven formula. This
formula, used by thousands of groups around the world for nearly 30 years, provides
the flexibility for groups to discuss almost any topic of interest, but the rigour which
allows each group to develop trust and grow together over the long term. It is the
principals, protocols, norms and so on which provide this rigour.
What happens if we run into trouble?
Each Speakers Forum will be supported by a State Manager or equivalent, as well as
by a national NSAA Speakers Forum committee, with representation from each state.
There will be numerous resources you can call on to help you stay on track and deal
with any issues which may arise amongst your group.
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