Professional Speakers

* As a 21-year veteran of the professional speaking industry, I’d like to add a counterpoint to “ ‘I Am the Next Big Thing,’ ” (April 18). The National Speakers Assn. is composed of many professionals who are not just motivational speakers. We work with associations and organizations in high-content programs. We come with industry experience, advanced degrees and researched materials. You’ll find us presenting programs on such topics as leadership development, change management, sales skills, innovation, future trends and work/life balance issues. I facilitate management retreats and high-level executive conferences. So do many of my colleagues.

To dismiss the National Speakers Assn. as a body of middle-aged, affirmation-spouting, make-a-quick-buck folks does a great disservice to many of us.

EILEEN McDARGH

McDargh Communications

Dana Point