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

Cavett Robert Speaking With Microphone in Hand

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

2023

Dr. Willie Jolley, CSP, CPAE

2022

Ruby Newell-Legner, CSP

2021

John B. Molidor, PhD, CSP

2019

Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE

2018

Terry Brock, CSP, CPAE

2017

Randy Pennington, CSP, CPAE

2016

Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP

2015

Gary Rifkin, CSP

2014

Chris Clarke-Epstein, CSP

2013

Scott Friedman, CSP

2012

Stephen Tweed, CSP

2011

W Mitchell, CSP, CPAE

2010

Jim Rhode, CSP

2009

Louis Heckler, CSP, CPAE

2008

Michael McKinley, CSP, CPAE

2007

Mark H. Sanborn, CSP, CPAE

2006

Charles E. "Tremendous" Jones, CPAE

2005

Glenna Salsbury, CSP, CPAE

2004

Terry Paulson, CSP, CPAE

2003

Pat Vivo, CSP, CPAE

2002

Bob Murphey, CPAE

2001

Zig Ziglar, CPAE

2000

Jim Tunney, EdD, CSP, CPAE

1999

Edward E. Scannell, CSP, CMP

1998

Al Walker, CSP, CPAE

1997

Naomi R. Rhode, CSP, CPAE

1996

Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

1995

Thomas J. Winninger, CSP, CPAE

1994

George Morrisey, CSP, CPAE

1993

Jim Cathcart, CSP, CPAE

1992

D. John Hammond, CPAE

1991

Rosita Perez, CPAE

1990

D. Michael Frank, CSP, CPAE

1989

Jeanne Robertson, CSP, CPAE

1988

Robert H. Henry, CSP, CPAE

1987

Doc Blakely, CSP, CPAE

1986

Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE

1985

Nido R. Qubein, CSP, CPAE

1984

Ira M. Hayes, CPAE

1983

Joe Larson, CSP, CPAE

1982

Ty Boyd, CSP, CPAE

1981

Dave Yoho, CPAE

1980

William H. Gove, CSP, CPAE

1979

Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE