Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland
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| Abbreviation | PSA UKI |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1999 |
| Type | Membership body |
| Legal status | Active |
| Purpose | To support and advance professional public speaking in the UK and Ireland |
Region served | UK & Ireland |
Membership | 650+ |
| Affiliations | Global Speakers Federation (GSF) |
| Website | thepsa |
The Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA UKI) is a professional association that supports motivational and other public speakers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is one of the largest of 13 international associations comprising the Global Speakers Federation.[1]
History
[edit]PSA UKI was established in 1999 by Rikki Arundel,[2] Brendan Power, Phillip Khan-Panni and Rex Warner as the Professional Speakers Association, with the aim of supporting and advancing the professional speaking industry across the region.
The founders, inspired by similar organisations like the National Speakers Association in the United States, envisioned a platform that would foster professional development, networking, and ethical standards for speakers.
In its early years, the PSA focused on building a community of professional speakers, trainers, coaches, and other experts who use public speaking as a core part of their careers.[3] The association gained traction, hosting its first national convention in 2001 and it has since grown to more than 600 members.[4]
Organisational structure and operations
[edit]The Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA) is structured to support its members through a combination of national governance and regional activities. The association operates under the guidance of a National Board, which oversees strategic direction, financial management, and membership development. The board includes key roles such as the Chair, National President, Finance Director, and other directors responsible for areas like communications, membership, and events.
Membership
[edit]Membership is available to paid professional speakers, trainers, coaches and authors.[5]
Events
[edit]PSA UKI holds an annual 3-day national convention, the Speaking Business Summit,[6] in October featuring speakers in the industry and an annual one-day Spring Conference in April.
Local and regional chapters
[edit]The PSA is further divided into 13 regional groups[7][4] across the UK and Ireland, each led by a Regional President and a local committee. These regional groups serve as hubs for professional development, networking, and community engagement, hosting monthly events, workshops, and speaker showcases. These activities provide members with opportunities to enhance their skills, receive feedback, and build connections within the speaking industry.
Notable members
[edit]- Kriss Akabusi[8]
- Aaron Phipps
- Cathy O'Dowd[9]
- Abigail Irozuru
- Guy Clapperton
- David Meade[10]
- Jeremy Nicholas
- Darren Harris
- Dominic Colenso
References
[edit]- ^ "Mission -". www.globalspeakers.net. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "Rikki Arundel on Speakers Associates". Speakers Associates. 10 May 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "The PSA Story: A Brief History". Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland. 12 June 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ a b "Dr Lynda Shaw elected president of the PSA". Wendover News.
- ^ "Professional Speaking Association Membership - Join". 2024-11-21. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ "Speaking Business Summit". PSA UKI. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ "Charlie Whyman takes over as the Regional President of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland East Midlands Region for 2023". Love Business East Midlands.
- ^ "Kriss Akabusi on LinkedIn". LinkedIn: Nze (QMSI) Kriss Kezie Akabusi (RAPTC) MBE MA OLY. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "NMP Live". Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "David Meade: Aiming for a record-breaking year". Belfast Telegraph. 2024-01-28. Retrieved 21 November 2024.