NSA 2008 Foundation Research
Request for Proposal

Request For Proposal & Grant Proposal Guidelines

The NSA 2008 Foundation Research Committee is seeking proposals that will enhance our members’ understanding of the four general competencies (i.e., Expertise, Eloquence, Enterprise, and Ethics) that are deemed critical for success as a professional speaker and that will advance the art, craft, and science of the speaking profession.

The NSA 2008 Foundation Research Committee will give top priority to proposals that address each of the following areas:

1. What makes a professional speaker successful? The researcher can start with the different speaking venues or types of speakers (e.g., business, humorist, keynoter, seminar/workshop leader, and/or consultant) and then examine what makes one successful in that area. The researcher should first define the various venues or types of speakers.
2. What are the key factors of competition facing the different professional speaking venues or types of speakers? The researcher should identify and define these factors of competition for each venue or type of speaker. A factor of competition is something the market perceives as a valuable and necessary element or characteristic provided by the speaker (e.g., topic expertise).
3. What elements are common to the factors identified above? The researcher should determine what these elements are and then compare and contrast them across the different venues or types of speakers.

Research Methology
All types of research methods are encouraged and are acceptable (e.g., experimental, survey, observational, field studies, literature reviews, case studies, etc.) if justified and elaborated upon by the investigator. Each proposal should describe the proposed method(s) and should contain an explanation and rationale for the choice of method(s).

Eligibility
Faculty members, graduate students, research fellows, and individuals interested in the communication process, professional speaking, and human dynamics are especially encouraged to apply.

Total Awards
Up to two grants of up to $5000 each will be made in 2008.

Dates and Deadlines
March 5, 2008 - NSA 2008 Foundation Research RFP Distributed
May 1, 2008 - Deadline for Receipt of Application Package
June 16, 2008- Selection of Awardee(s)
July 15, 2008 - Research Begins/Initial Check Mailed
December 15, 2008 - Initial Report Due/Second Check Mailed
February 16, 2008 - Final Report Due/Final Check Mailed

Click here for the NSA 2008 Foundation Research RFP
Click here for the 2008 Foundation Research Application (PDF)
Click here for the 2008 Foundation Research Application (Word fill form)

If you have any questions, or require additional information, please contact Diane Paradise, NSA's Foundation Development Specialist at (480) 968-2552 or Diane@nsaspeaker.org