Talk:Hal Becker

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Notability

There is nothing in this draft article to indicate that Becker is notable enough that an article about him should be in an encyclopedia. --Orange Mike | Talk 02:58, 3 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Potential

I think the article has promise, but it has problems.

I see Notability as a two-pronged test, first, it has to exist, and second it has to be asserted in the article, ideally in the lead. Orangemike's comment is that it hasn't yet been asserted, but he isn't saying is cannot be asserted.

Another concern is that much of the material seems to come from this page. On one hand, as an encyclopedia, we want all material to come form outside sources, but we want to make sure it is written in one's own words, and properly sourced when used. I'm not sure a speakers bureau bio qualifies as a reliable source, I'll check to see. If not, it will be important to make sure all facts can be verified form some other sources; if it does qualify, it is important to make sure the phrasing is in your own words, and the source cited.--SPhilbrick T 14:48, 3 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

My questions about the use of a Speaker's Bureau Bio are here--SPhilbrick T 15:20, 3 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

That link isn't valid anymore; the question may have been archived. I certainly wouldn't consider them a reliable source, because they make a living by selling the speakers' services, and thus have a major interest in puffing up the speakers' bios. --Orange Mike | Talk 23:46, 14 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Removed claim about Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award

I removed the claim

*Hal Becker received the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award in June 2001. (He is one of only eight people in the world to be given this honor.)

This page This page lists 36 recipients and I think that is just in one district. Perhaps there is something special about the award given to Becker, but it requires better sourcing for the claim.

Arguably, the claim he received the award should be replaced, without the qualifier, but I haven't yet found an acceptable citation.

Recognition item changed

It originally read:

*Becker is a CSP, or Certified Speaking Professional, which is the highest earned designation presented by the National Speakers Association.

Possibly misleading, as I see no evidence that the association confers any designation other than CSP. See this page. CSP is mentioned, but no other designation.--SPhilbrick T 17:08, 3 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

More to the point, there is no evidence that this is any kind of meaningful distinction. Additionally, the "source" was a link to a website for a commercial company selling Becker's services: by no means a reliable source. --Orange Mike | Talk 23:44, 14 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]