The Cavett Award
The Cavett Award is the National Speakers Association’s most cherished award. It is presented annually to the member whose accomplishments over the years have reflected outstanding credit, respect, honor and admiration in the Association and in the speaking profession, and whose actions most closely parallel the illustrious career of NSA’s Founder Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE. Since it was established in 1973, NSA's strength has sprung from its Founder Cavett, whose love, encouragement, generosity and wisdom embody the spirit of NSA today.
Since it was established in 1973, NSA's strength has sprung from its Founder
Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE

His love, encouragement, generosity, and wisdom embody the spirit of NSA today and continue to guide the Association as it grows in number and diversity.
Humility, generosity, and teamwork are just a few of the qualities Cavett possessed, and in fine professional-speaking style, expressed so eloquently. Cavett once said to NSA Past President Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE, "You guys have done so much more with this (NSA) than I ever imagined." The truth was that NSA members have simply built upon the legacy that he humbly established for us.
Likewise, Cavett displayed an uncanny ability to inspire others and share his wisdom and expertise. "A desire to help others is our most noble attribute; it gives immortal momentum to life and is our only certain path to heaven," he would say. Hence, the Cavett Award, the highest award bestowed by NSA, was created to celebrate and honor those members whose careers demonstrate the spirit of sharing, guiding and inspiring other professional speakers.
The Cavett Award is NSA's most cherished award.
It is presented annually to the member whose accomplishments over the years have reflected outstanding credit, respect, honor, and admiration in the Association and the speaking profession, and whose actions (in terms of sharing, guiding, and inspiring other members) most closely parallel the illustrious career of our Founder Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE.
Recipients
Dr. Willie Jolley, CSP, CPAE
Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP
John B. Molidor, PhD, CSP
Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE
Terry Brock, CSP, CPAE
Randy Pennington, CSP, CPAE
Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP
Gary Rifkin, CSP
Chris Clarke-Epstein, CSP
Scott Friedman, CSP
Stephen Tweed, CSP
W Mitchell, CSP, CPAE
Jim Rhode, CSP
Louis Heckler, CSP, CPAE
Michael McKinley, CSP, CPAE
Mark H. Sanborn, CSP, CPAE
Charles E. "Tremendous" Jones, CPAE
Glenna Salsbury, CSP, CPAE
Terry Paulson, CSP, CPAE
Pat Vivo, CSP, CPAE
Bob Murphey, CPAE
Zig Ziglar, CPAE
Jim Tunney, EdD, CSP, CPAE
Edward E. Scannell, CSP, CMP
Al Walker, CSP, CPAE
Naomi R. Rhode, CSP, CPAE
Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE
Thomas J. Winninger, CSP, CPAE
George Morrisey, CSP, CPAE
Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE
D. John Hammond, CPAE
Rosita Perez, CPAE
D. Michael Frank, CSP, CPAE
Jeanne Robertson, CSP, CPAE
Robert H. Henry, CSP, CPAE
Doc Blakely, CSP, CPAE
Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE
Nido R. Qubein, CSP, CPAE
Ira M. Hayes, CPAE
Joe Larson, CSP, CPAE
Ty Boyd, CSP, CPAE
Dave Yoho, CPAE
William H. Gove, CSP, CPAE
Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE