Ethics &
Professional Behavior

National Speakers Association
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Code of Ethics & Professional Behavior

 

The purpose of the National Speakers Association Code of Ethics and Professional Behavior (hereafter “NSA Code”) is to establish and maintain the National Speaker’s Association (NSA) brand, reputation, and public confidence in the professionalism, dedication, and integrity of both the individual members of NSA, and the Association itself.

NSA’s five core values of Abundant Generosity, Elevating Excellence, Intentional Language, Honorable Innovation, and Uplifting Humanity remain integral to the success of both NSA and the individual professional speaker.

Therefore, these five core values provide the overarching framework for the NSA Code. All members of NSA subscribe to this NSA Code as a condition of membership, with the firm belief that each member aspires to uphold the values, reputation, and legacy of NSA. By doing so, members recognize the necessity to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices among all who are engaged in professional speaking.

Violations of the NSA Code are determined in accordance with the NSA Bylaws and NSA Policies and Procedures. Any action taken by NSA shall be binding and final upon the NSA member and without recourse to NSA, its officers, members, or staff.

The NSA Code sets forth both an organizational commitment and an individual membership pledge. For purposes of the NSA Code, and in alignment with the NSA value of Uplifting Humanity, NSA maintains an overarching commitment to safety first and always. By virtue of being an NSA member, you agree to abide by the NSA Code. The NSA Committee on Ethics and Professional Behavior (hereafter “CEPB”) under the direction of the NSA Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the enforcement of the NSA Code.

Article I – Abundant Generosity
NSA recognizes the value of sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and fostering a spirit of community. NSA members promote a culture of giving, sharing expertise, and honor success through philanthropy and the “Spirit of Cavett,” knowing that generosity strengthens the entire profession. NSA members pledge to:

  1. Exhibit a culture of generous giving and sharing of expertise, following the founder’s example of learning, growth, and prosperity in the “Spirit of Cavett.”
  2. Commit to sharing their skills and expertise within NSA or an NSA Chapter, or with a charity or community of their own choice and celebrate the philanthropic achievements of their colleagues.

Article II – Elevating Excellence
NSA celebrates, recognizes, and teaches excellence in speaking, featuring diverse and industry-leading examples of excellence, and committing to lifelong learning and improvement. NSA members uphold the highest standards of quality in their work to advance the reputation and standards of the speaking profession. NSA members pledge to:

  1. Deliver services of the highest quality, prepared thoroughly, and designed to meet the needs of clients and audiences.
  2. Engage in lifelong learning and skills development, pursuing professional growth opportunities.

Article III – Intentional Language
NSA commits to communicate with thoughtful language, honor the power and impact of words, and recognize intentional language reflects respect, transparency, and truthfulness, enhancing trust with audiences, colleagues, and the public. NSA members pledge to:

  1. Communicate honestly, representing their qualifications, expertise, and services clearly and accurately.
  2. Uphold high ethical standards, maintain truthfulness in all business matters and engage in practices that bring credit to the speaking profession, remaining ever mindful of the power of words and their impact.

Article IV – Honorable Innovation
NSA embraces the evolution needed to fulfill ever-changing needs, respects individual rights to creative works, and inspires original expression. NSA Members creatively adapt and innovate in ways that honor their audiences and the NSA Code with dignity and respect. NSA members pledge to:

  1. Maintain confidentiality of clients, agents, and fellow speakers’ business or personal matters so long as maintaining the privacy respects with the health and safety of fellow members and upholds the overarching values of NSA.
  2. Respect the materials, titles, or themes, giving credit for the intellectual property of others and only using with permission.

Article V – Uplifting Humanity
NSA seeks to encourage positive change, inspire audiences and colleagues to be the best versions of themselves, and foster diversity, equity, justice, inclusion, and belonging. NSA members commit to using their platforms to promote dignity, respect, and social cooperation. NSA Members pledge to:

  1. Maintain collegial relationships based on respect, courtesy, dignity, and high ethical standards.
  2. Engage in behavior that demonstrates equity or fairness to all, regardless of age, gender identity, race, ethnicity, creed, color, sexual orientation, physical or emotional ability, religion, national origin, or other human differences.

Click here for a full copy of the NSA Code and Frequently Asked Questions.

 *Adopted November 21, 2024