FAQ

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Speakers NS is a new, and rapidly growing, association so we expect & welcome your questions. If there's something you want to know please drop us a line at speakersnovascotia@gmail.com.

1. How much is the annual membership?
   For our 1st year we're offering membership for $30. For organizations that have 3 or more members joining Speakers NS, we offer a 20% discount. We are also working on creating MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with other non-profits who have members joining us which gives them as discount as well. 

2.  Do you book gigs for speakers?  

No. We have a registry featuring all members, and we support their career needs & goals, but members do their own bookings. You can reach out to them on your own, or through the contact form linked under the photo of each speaker on their individual profile page. You'll deal with the speaker directly to sort our the details of the booking. 

3. Are speakers free?

Not usually.  Most charge some sort of fee. In special cases, speakers may choose to reduce or waive their fees. Speakers NS does not negotiate member fees or collect them on their behalf. We do not take a portion of the speaker's fees either. 

4. Do you get government funding for this society?

Not at this time. We are currently operating on membership fees only.  As we are a brand new organization (created October 4, 2024) we do not yet qualify for government grants, or indeed grants from most organizations. We will consider this as a source of revenue in the future, when we become eligible. 

5. Do you teach public speaking skills?

No. Toastmasters and other organizations are already the gold standard of teaching speaking skills. We don't want to duplicate their services. Our goal is to elevate the profession of public speaking and give our members the tools to run safe & effective speaking businesses. 

6. Why should a speaker join this organization?

In addition to the online registry, yearly events, and a few business perks with other companies, Speakers NS really offers our members solidarity and support. The business of public speaking is usually learned by the 'school' of trial-and-error.  By pulling together and pooling our knowledge we are going to help each other succeed sooner. Also, not every speaker out there is socially appropriate, nor is every group booking a speaker. We aim to provide some safety in numbers for our members who may be experiencing discrimination in our society. Every Speakers NS member has agreed to abide by our code of conduct which makes it clear that we do not platforms speakers who promote hate or dehumanization of any group of people. Finally, in Nova Scotia, many people come to public speaking via some other career or volunteer work. While other work may be represented by a non-profit professional association, if you do public speaking in it's own right, or you work in an industry with no other representation, you're basically left with no one to connect with regarding this work.

7. I run a business or other association and would like to partner with you on something. Who do I contact?
   You can email Terri at speakersnovascotia@gmail.com with your pitch.