Enroll in the FSA Conni Gordon Speaker Academy
Jumpstart Your Speaking Business
The FSA Conni Gordon Speaker Academy is for those who aspire to build a speaking business or jumpstart their career. The program is facilitated by experienced members of the National Speakers Association (NSA), the premiere professional association for those who earn a living by the spoken word.
The program runs October 2023 to May 2024. Member discounts and other benefits begin as soon as you join.
Ready to apply? Fill out the application below for review and approval. On acceptance, you will have a choice of joining at the standard level ($1200) or PLUS level ($1500). See below for an explanation of the PLUS benefits. Payment plan options are available.
Take Your Talk from the Page to the Stage with an engaging interactive workshop and bring your questions.
Not sure if the FSA Academy is for you? No pressure. Set up a virtual coffee with me, Dave Bricker to see if FSA and the Conni Gordon Speaker Academy are what you’re looking for.
Get help from experienced speakers!
✔ Craft your message to be authentic and marketable
✔ Develop the marketing materials you need to sell yourself as a speaker, including a high-quality video.
✔ Understand the business of speaking

Dave Bricker, Co-Dean

Rosemary Ravinal, Co-Dean
To be paid to speak professionally, you must master these four core competencies:
1. Speak with Eloquence on the platform
2. Deliver high-quality content based on depth and breadth of Expertise
3. Run an effective speaking business
4. Master professional speaking ethics
Our Academy is conducted at both in-Person and on-screen sessions. Attendance is essential as full participation ensures that you maximize the impact on your business.
Benefits of Joining the FSA Conni Gordon Speaker Academy
- Connect with new speaking business friends and colleagues. Find the support, encouragement, and accountability partners you need to succeed.
- Enjoy all benefits of FSA Membership through June 30th, 2024, including access to all meetings.
- Spend two days learning and being inspired at the FSA Academy Bootcamp—an amazing, not to be missed event!
- Get expert feedback on your showcase speech
- Grow with monthly accountability check-ins.
- Showcase your message on stage at the 2024 FSA Showcase. Your spot is guaranteed. Get your demo video recorded. (Video package included for PLUS.)
Improve your platform skills. Craft your speaking programs. Market and run your business. Acquire the tools and skills you need to become a professional speaker.
About the Bootcamp, 2023-2024
(Date: TBA)
The Bootcamp we put on as part of the FSA Conni Gordon Speaker Academy is one of the most exciting events of the program year. Over a day and a half, we bring in some of the most experienced and successful speakers from the chapter to share secrets of the speaking business. In fact, our professional members pay to audit this inspirational event.
Topics to be covered include:
- Sales and marketing for speakers
- Storytelling
- Crafting a Keynote
- Ethical Issues for Speakers
- Social Media
- Creating a Business
- Continually Developing Your Expertise
- Products and Back of Room Sales
- Get Feedback On Your 5 Minute Speech
- Work On Your Message & Strategy
Application
The members of the FSA Conni Gordon Speaker Academy form a tight-knit group over the academy year. To ensure the quality of the program, we review applicants’ speaking skills, and commitment. Fill out the application below.. After your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will receive a link with payment options. If you require more financial flexibility, please ask to discuss options with James Henderson.
About the Showcase & Graduation
Quality video is a necessity for every speaker. We will provide each academy member with a professional stage setting, lighting, and state of the art videography provided by Velocity Video Productions. The showcase will feature every member of our academy who accepts their spot in the showcase. Video package is included with with PLUS.
2021 Showcase



For more information, contact Dave Bricker, your 2023-2024 FSA Conni Gordon Speaker Academy Co-Dean, by email at dave@davebricker.com

Considering joining the Academy?
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