Speakers Academy
The 10-Month Hybrid Program for Serious Speaker-Entrepreneurs
New cohorts begin every September & February
About This Program
The NSA Central Florida Speakers Academy is our flagship education program — a transformative 10-month hybrid journey meeting the 3rd Saturday of each month (excluding December and July). Designed for entrepreneurs who want to earn all or a significant portion of their income through speaking, training, coaching, consulting, or authorship.
What You'll Learn
Finding Your Signature Story & Message
Identify the core message that only YOU can deliver with authenticity and conviction.
Speech Architecture & Structure
Master the proven frameworks used by the world's best keynote speakers.
Stage Presence & Delivery Mastery
Develop commanding body language, vocal variety, and audience connection skills.
Building Your Speaker Brand
Create a compelling brand, website, and one-sheet that attracts speaking opportunities.
Marketing & Lead Generation
Learn how to consistently generate speaking inquiries through LinkedIn, referrals, and more.
Pricing, Contracts & Negotiations
Confidently price your value, negotiate fees, and protect yourself professionally.
Every student enjoys Professional member benefits — all chapter meetings included — until graduation.
- Morning hybrid chapter meetings (9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
- Afternoon academy-only sessions (1:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
- Monthly Implementation Labs for hands-on business work
- Dedicated mentor
- Accountability partner
- Academy's Got Talent Virtual Showcase
- Individual feedback on your speeches
- Technology updates and guidance
- Coaching on social media trends
- Experienced faculty and guest speakers
- Industry updates on trends and challenges
Questions? Email us at info@nsacentralflorida.com
The 10 Modules
Developed by a blue-ribbon panel of NSA's most successful members, delivered by different experts each month.
What's Involved
A workbook is provided. Each session combines NSA material with the expertise of that month's presenter. Module order may change to meet participant needs.
Chart your own course for speaking success based on your unique goals and aspirations.
Develop the core competencies needed to be a successful professional speaker, trainer, consultant or coach.
Gain powerful and practical insights from professional speakers who are practicing what you are learning.
Learn how to adapt your speaking skills to the strong currents of change dominating the speaking and training environment.
Build lasting relationships with other Academy attendees, NSA Chapter members, and guest speakers.
To graduate, attend 8 of the 10 sessions. If you miss 3, you make it up the following year to graduate later.
If within 2 weeks after the first session you find this isn't a fit, discuss with the Academy Dean(s).
What Students Are Saying
Danielle Cobo
NSACF Speakers Academy Graduate
Afaf Campbell
NSACF Speakers Academy Graduate
Chad Murray
NSACF Speakers Academy Graduate
Betty Norlin
NSACF Speakers Academy Graduate
At the end of 2017, I decided I wanted to pursue my passion for training, consulting and speaking. I found NSA Central Florida and saw there was an Academy. It was one of the best decisions I've made.
Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq., MBA
CEO, HR Legally Speaking, LLC
I now know how to create a profitable and successful speaking business because of what I learned from the Speakers Academy.
Jenny Olding Holla
Academy Graduate
Joining the Academy has paid off in ways I never could have imagined. The return on my investment has been huge from a monetary perspective, but that's only the tip of the iceberg.
John Watkis
Graduate
Academy's Got Talent Virtual Showcase
A safe, supportive forum for students to showcase their speaking skills before their peers and a panel of expert speakers who provide constructive feedback — a highlight of the Academy experience.
Speakers Academy Co-Deans
Joyce Wietrecki, M.A.
Co-Dean, Speakers Academy
Joyce Wietrecki is a leadership speaker, certified coach, and talent development expert with over 30 years of experience helping leaders unlock peak performance. She has partnered with Fortune 500 companies—including Walgreens, Reynolds Consumer Products, and Kraft Heinz—to elevate leadership effectiveness, align talent strategy, and build high-performing teams. Today, Joyce focuses on empowering mid-sized companies to transform managers into extraordinary leaders through Wietrecki Consulting & Associates.
Sandy Geroux, M.S., CSP
Co-Dean, Speakers Academy
Sandy Geroux is an award-winning speaker, trainer, and author with over 26 years of experience delivering keynote and training presentations to help leaders activate a culture of WOW. Her attendees describe her dynamic speaking style as enthusiastic, energetic, and extremely motivating. Sandy has been active in the NSA Central Florida Chapter since 2002, serving in leadership roles throughout much of that time.
Sylvie Di Giusto, CSP Scholarship
50% tuition paid • Personal mentoring • Two awards per year
About Sylvie
Sylvie di Giusto, CSP is an international keynote speaker and author on creating exceptional first and lasting impressions. She uses her multicultural background to take audiences on a journey of self-discovery.
She has generously gifted two scholarships per year — one per cohort — each covering 50% of Speakers Academy tuition, plus personal mentoring.
Eligibility
- Be a resident of Florida
- Complete an interview with the Scholarship Committee
- Commit to completing and graduating from the Speakers Academy
Benefits
Not chosen? You may re-apply up to 2 additional times (3 total).
Have Any Questions?
Reach out to our Co-Deans and we'll get back to you.