Scotti Named 2011 Member of the Year

Presentation coaching expert Stephanie Scotti of Professionally Speaking has been named 2011 Member of the Year by the NJ chapter of the National Speakers Association (NSA-NJ).

Scotti, who served as NSA-NJ's Director of Community Relations for 2010-2011, spearheaded the effort to launch a scholarship fund for Stand & Deliver, a local organization that improves the leadership and communication skills of inner-city youth.

"Stand & Deliver is a nonprofit created by journalist Steve Adubato in 2000, with a goal of teaching kids the importance of communication and encouraging them to take a leadership role in their community," explains Scotti. "Members of our chapter were invited to their annual Night of Eloquence, which showcases the achievements of the current class. It was then that we knew that Stand & Deliver was the perfect partner for NSA-NJ'S philanthropic efforts."

Scotti galvanized the chapter's membership, directing their energy and resources into marketing and fundraising, including two hugely successful events — a raffle and an auction. Within just five months, the organization had raised enough money to completely fund a $1,500 scholarship for 2011, plus additional dollars to give them a head start for next year.

According to Scotti, the program was considered a success on several levels. "It introduced us to an organization whose purpose and goals meshed with those of NSA, while providing our chapter with invaluable ongoing exposure to our 'next generation' of potential members," she says.

In addition to being recognized for her volunteer efforts, Scotti found 2011 filled with success on a professional level as well. Her client, bilingual speaker and Gitomer Certified sales trainer Eddy Mayen, was one of three finalists in the National Speakers Association competition at its recent annual conference in California. Says Mayen, "Working with Stephanie has made all the difference in my career as a speaker. She is hard working, dedicated, creative, and honest."

For more information on the services of Professionally Speaking, please call (908) 790-0853 or visit ProfessionallySpeaking.net.

Stephanie Scotti delights in uncovering the hidden talents of business communicators who are preparing to step onto the main stage — a high-profile keynote, product launch, sales presentation, or other critical business situation. Through one-on-one and group coaching, customized workshops and virtual training, she helps C-suite business executives make the most of career-defining presentation opportunities. Connect with @StephanieScotti on Twitter, and view her SpeakerNotes blog at speakernotes.wordpress.com.