My Induction Into The CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame

Being inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame in July was one of the highlights of my life! It was a dream come true and an awesome honor. I labored over my acceptance speech more than any other speech I've given in my 25 years as a professional speaker. We were told that we had six minutes. SIX MINUTES!! I can't even say my name in six minutes!
However, I wanted to be respectful of that time limit and of all the other recipients and the audience, and I'm really proud of what I came up with.
Here it is for your viewing pleasure.

Speaker Hall of Fame: The Thrill of a Lifetime!

Last week I received the greatest honor of my career: I was inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame at my National Speakers Association Convention in Philadelphia.

You probably don't know what that is so here's a little explanation:
In February 1977, National Speakers Association (NSA) established the Council of Peers Award for Excellence Speaker Hall of Fame to honor professional speakers who have reached the top echelon of platform excellence.
To date, only 196 men and women have been inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, including Zig Ziglar, Ronald Reagan and Norman Vincent Peale.
Each candidate must excel in seven categories: material, style, experience, delivery, image, professionalism and communication. 
See why I'm so excited? It's the top honor in my industry and I am thrilled beyond words.
So now I am: Mikki Williams, CSP, CPAE!
Not to brag, but fewer than 1% of all professional speakers hold both of those designations.
Yay!!
Thank you, thank you to my fellow speakers for this awesome honor!