NSA-Arizona Projects Lab

What is it? A casual, virtual co-working support space

Why do it?

• Bursts of focused work with breaks promote productivity and reduce stress.
• Focus intently on a project, content development, marketing, pitching, operational or administrative processes etc.
• It’s an opportunity to ask for feedback, share resources and support each other’s work
• During the highly productive segments, you’re muted with your video on or off

How long is it? 2 hours, once weekly

When is it? Monday from 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)

• Project lab may be expanded to an additional day and time if Monday participation merits expansion

Project Lab Flow:

Start at 12:00 p.m.

• Welcome new participants to introduce themselves
• Each person shares their project, challenge or goal for the lab time

Facilitator schedules a 50-minute work session

• Take a break and share progress, ask any questions, share any related resources
• A 40–50-minute work session is scheduled
• Topics or conversations that require more time can continue via the chat or participants can stay on zoom after the scheduled end time and continue supporting each other

The regular host is Michele Redmond, with co-host Cassandra Thompson.

By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.

Speaker Studio

Speaker Studio is a members-only benefit, designed as an intimate learning environment that creates breakthrough moments for our members. As such, members may present and guests may observe.

We are limited to three (3) presenters for each session, based on who signs up first.

“Speaker Studio was an incredible opportunity to receive thoughtful, diverse feedback that truly elevated my presentation skills. The timing was perfect because it encouraged me to invest in coaching right before filming my course videos and recording my first Audible. The impact on my delivery was truly transformational. Thank you, Speaker Studio and fellow NSA AZ members.” - Rose Ann Forte, Founder, The Plans He Has For Me, LLC

SPEAKER STUDIO COMPILED READINGS

Don Thoren has contributed many documents – articles, emails, etc. – over the past several years as teaching aides. These documents are contained in  this file (click to access).

Questions or suggestions? Contact us via email or phone at 480-382-0638.

By attending this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (or screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.

One of ONE – Uncovering Your Secret Sauce via Original Research

Tired of blending in? In One of ONE – Uncovering Your Secret Sauce via Original Research, Nora Burns will share about how speakers can break out of the 'me too' mold and stand out with original research that highlights what makes them unmistakably unique. Become a recognized authority - because YOU will be the one uncovering the innovative insights and delivering them to your clients and audiences.

About our guest: Nora Burns is based out of Denver, CO (and is a past President of NSA-CO). As a keynote speaker, workplace researcher, and creator of The Undercover Project™, she’s built a brand around original research and distinctive content that no one else can duplicate. Having coached and collaborated with speakers at every stage, Nora brings both firsthand experience and a proven process for uncovering the 'secret sauce' that sets each speaker apart.

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.

NSA-Arizona Program Saturday, November 8, 2025

This meeting will be held upstairs in the training room, Suite 201.

Please note: Coffee and water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own beverage and snacks.

3 Ways to Participate:

1. Register to join us in person.
2. Register to join us via live-streaming on the day of the event.
3. Register to receive a link to the recording afterward.

Powerful Panels: Adding More Value to Your Client Engagements

Have you ever considered offering to moderate a panel discussion as a creative add-on to your client’s event?  Almost all meetings and conferences have them, and few of them are truly worthwhile!

Kristin will start the program actually moderating a panel with 3 of your most “famous” members, including Mike Staver, CSP®, CPAE® and Pamela Jett, CSP®.  We’ll chat about the do’s and don’ts of running a successful speaking business and delivering an amazing presentation.

After a brief break, Kristin will debrief the process she used to prepare for and facilitate the panel discussion.  She’ll also show you how to offer this additional service for an additional fee as well as the key steps you need to take in order to moderate a lively and informative panel discussion.

The program objectives are to:

• Discover how to offer panels as an additional service beyond speaking
• Understand three different models for pricing this additional service
• Walk away with a compendium of engaging and interactive formats.

EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS ON NOVEMBER 3RD. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE!

Kristin Arnold, MBA, CSP®, CPAE® helps leaders and their teams create the best solution that everyone can get behind, be excited about, and act upon quickly.

She is an expert on team process – how groups of people get from one point to a desired outcome by doing their best thinking, coming to an understanding of what needs to be done, and agreeing on how and when to do it.  All done in a short amount of time.

Kristin has the depth and breadth of experience in working across multiple sectors and industries.  Over the past 30 years, she have worked with leaders and their teams in all 18 identified sectors of the US economy and 147 different industries ranging from manufacturing and mining to financial services and the arts and everything in between.  She has spoken to over 250 organizations in a dozen countries around the world such as the Million Dollar Roundtable, Mercedes Benz (USA and Canada), Chief Executive Group, Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, Johnson & Johnson, just to name a few.  She has worked with over 16,000 leaders and 450 distinct teams delivering practical, real-world insights, tools, and techniques to help their teams to be extraordinary.

Connect with Kristin

Website: https://extraordinaryteam.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinjarnold

By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (or screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds.

Please notify us if you have any special needs for the meeting.

NSA-Arizona: Holiday Mixer

Thursday, 4 December 2025

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to kick off the festivities with a special event just for you!

At the home of Lee and Gail Jenkins

11545 N. 129th Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Join your fellow NSA members for a holiday extravaganza! This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow speakers, and share some holiday cheer in a warm, relaxed setting.

• Food, drinks and dessert provided!
• Special Make-and-Take Hot chocolate mason jars!
• Holiday Music!
• Networking!
• Special Prizes!

Please RSVP by Monday, 1 December 2025

Details:

Parking will be on the street.

There is a gate code which you will receive in the reminder email after you RSVP.

Any questions? Call or Text Alaina at 520-240-6538

Can’t wait to celebrate with y’all! Happy Holidays!

By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.

AI Tools For Beginners - where do you start?

With a dizzying array of AI tools available to grow your speaking business, you may be curious how you figure out where to start and which ones you could consider using. In an exciting fireside chat, Gina Carr will walk us through how to strategize and determine which AI tools will be useful to you and she will give us a primer on a few of her favorite AI "starter" tools for marketing, sales, prospecting, and more!

About our guest: As the CEO of Stark Raving Entrepreneurs, Gina Carr works with business leaders to leverage AI-powered marketing for more impact, influence, and income. Gina has an MBA from the Harvard Business School and an engineering degree from Georgia Tech. Known as “The Tribe Builder,” Gina helps passionate people build powerful tribes of raving fans.

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.

The Hidden Edge Every Speaker Needs: Negotiation & Body Language Secrets That Decide Who Gets the Gig

If you don’t master these hidden strategies, the next big speaking opportunity will go to someone else—and you’ll be left wondering why.

In the competitive world of professional speaking, success isn’t just about delivering compelling content; it’s about mastering the art of negotiation to get more gigs. Despite their expertise on stage, many speakers miss out on opportunities or settle for less than they deserve due to a lack of negotiation skills. This knowledge gap can lead to missed gig opportunities, undervalued contracts, and a struggle to build and maintain a sustainable speaking career.

Professional speakers often face unique negotiation challenges, from determining fair market rates to handling fee objections. Without a solid understanding of negotiation tactics tailored to the speaking industry, even the most talented orators may leave money on the table or fail to secure repeat engagements. Dr. Greg’s presentation will help speakers resolve those issues and position them for more significant opportunities.

Learning Objectives

1. How speakers can use questions to uncover hidden value and position themselves to get the gig
2. How to identify and overcome the most common negotiation mistakes made by speakers
3. How-to strategies for confidently discussing fees (investments) and value propositions based on body language/nonverbal signals
4. Techniques for handling objections and pushback on pricing

About our guest: As a Harvard-trained, Forbes-cited, top 50 corporation negotiator with a wealth of 30-plus years of negotiation and reading body language experience, Dr. Greg Williams, ‘The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert,’ has taught people worldwide negotiation and reading body language skills. He is an accomplished author, speaker, trainer, and a recognized worldwide thought leader on negotiation and reading body language who has spoken in 23 countries. The research firm Global Gurus has double-ranked Greg in negotiation and body language among the top 30 gurus worldwide. 

Greg’s motto is, “You’re always negotiating!”

All registrants will receive access to the recording.

By registering for this event, you are giving permission for NSA-Arizona to add your contact information to our email list and to use any photographs (screenshots) that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as NSA-Arizona deems appropriate and desirable.