Kelly Swanson: Funny Motivation
Kelly Swanson is a funny motivational speaker and award-winning storyteller who teaches audiences to harness the power of story for mindset, influence, and connection.
- Highlights:
- Hall of Fame motivational speaker and award-winning storyteller
- Author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale
- Creator of The Story Crafting Course for leaders and teams
- Regularly featured at Fortune 500 events and major conferences
- Known for blending humor, hope, and powerful storytelling
- Formats:
Keynote 45–60 min, Motivational Comedy Show, Storytelling Workshop, Leadership Retreat
- Audiences:
Corporate leaders, sales teams, customer service professionals, associations, and conference attendees
- Outcomes:
- Rewrite your inner story to boost resilience, confidence, and performance
- Learn three foundational stories that influence and connect with customers
- Experience laughter, authenticity, and motivation that stick long after the event
- Travels from: Greensboro, NC
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Keynote Topics
WHO HIJACKED MY FAIRYTALE
WHO HIJACKED MY FAIRYTALE: HOW TO CREATE A WINNING MINDSET BY LIVING A STORY-DRIVEN LIFE
In a world where self-doubt and external pressures often dictate our narrative, many of us are held captive by stories that diminish our true potential. These limiting beliefs create barriers to personal growth, leading to feelings of stagnation and unfulfillment. Kelly Swanson believes if you want to change your life, you must start by changing your story.
In this hysterically funny, motivational program, Kelly draws from her own journey of overcoming challenges and reshaping her narrative, blending humor with profound insights to inspire a shift in perspective.
Participants are guided to rewrite their own stories, cultivating a winning mindset that unlocks passion, purpose, and confidence. With Kelly’s unique
storytelling approach, individuals are empowered to not only envision a brighter future but to actively pursue it.
STORY-DRIVEN IMPACT
STORY-DRIVEN IMPACT: WHERE THE ART OF STORY MEETS THE BUSINESS OF PERSUASION
No matter what industry you are in, or what job title you hold, at some point you will find yourself in a position of influence – wanting or needing to convince someone else to do something. The goal is clear: to connect, engage, persuade, and leave a lasting impact. Yet, many professionals find themselves falling short, often missing that crucial emotional connection that drives action and loyalty.
Enter the transformative power of storytelling.
By the end of this highly interactive program, participants will not only understand the mechanics of effective storytelling but will also be equipped to
harness its power in their professional roles. Whether you’re pitching a product, leading a team, or serving a customer, storytelling is the key to forging deeper connections and achieving desired outcomes. Under Kelly Swanson’s expert guidance, you’ll master the art of crafting compelling stories that hit the mark every time.
Talent Short Bio
Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, and hall-of-fame inspirational speaker who blends humor with powerful life lessons. She is the author of Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale and a contributor to Huffington Post. Her unique gift is turning everyday struggles into funny, relatable, and inspiring stories that help people rewrite their narrative and embrace their value.
Kelly’s mission is to make people laugh, remind them of their worth, and equip them with storytelling tools that build resilience, confidence, and influence. She has been featured on The Fashion Hero television show on Amazon Prime and is a regular presence at conferences, leadership retreats, and corporate events worldwide.
Read Full Bio
Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, comedian, hall-of-fame inspirational speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and cast member of The Fashion Hero television show airing on Amazon Prime.
Kelly’s mission is to make you laugh, remind you of your value, help you see beyond your obstacles, and learn how to tap into the most powerful tool you have for a positive mindset and persuasive influence, embracing your story.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Talent Videos
Kelly Swanson: The Funny Side of Motivation – Storytelling that Connects and Inspires
In this 20-minute clip, Kelly Swanson blends humor and heartfelt storytelling to show how rewriting your inner story changes confidence, resilience, and influence.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
Kelly Swanson takes the audience on a journey through comedy, personal stories, and practical storytelling lessons. She shares her path from English major to professional storyteller and motivational speaker, highlighting the challenges of low self-esteem and the power of humor to break through fear. With candid honesty, she jokes about body image, confidence struggles, and everyday insecurities, instantly connecting with her audience through authenticity.
Kelly explains how storytelling is not just entertainment but a tool of influence that opens hearts and builds emotional connections. She teaches that the stories we tell ourselves shape our beliefs and actions, and rewriting those narratives can unlock leadership, sales, and personal growth. She introduces her storytelling framework, which focuses on three critical stories: your story, your brand story, and your customer’s story.
Testimonials within the video highlight Kelly’s ability to connect deeply with audiences, transforming skepticism into engagement. Her stories—ranging from holiday memories to everyday insecurities—illustrate how humor and vulnerability create lasting bonds. She closes by emphasizing that humor and hope are essential for resilience, reminding audiences to embrace authenticity and step boldly into their own spotlight.
Key Moments
00:00 Audience feedback: Kelly praised for connection, humor, and energy
01:00 Kelly introduces herself and her journey into storytelling and speaking
04:00 Humor and vulnerability: body image, confidence, and authenticity
07:30 Discovering storytelling as a motivational and influential tool
10:00 Teaching: the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality
12:30 Introducing three foundational stories: personal, brand, and customer
15:00 Story crafting course explained: turning data into compelling narrative
17:00 Testimonials on Kelly’s unique talent for helping leaders tell their story
19:00 Closing: humor, hope, and authenticity as the foundation of influence
Speakers Inc - Kelly Swanson Showcase
A lively showcase where Kelly Swanson mixes comedy, candid life stories, and a clear framework for using story to connect, engage, and persuade.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
The showcase opens with host intro and quick testimonials about Kelly’s energy and connection. Kelly appears with a playful virtual bit, then pivots into why she speaks: to change the stories people tell themselves. She shares an early memory about “being poor” and her father’s lesson on turning nothing into something, setting up her core theme that perspective is a choice. Through rapid-fire humor about confidence and body image, she models authenticity as a bridge to trust.
Kelly explains that in an age of information overload, data alone does not persuade; story is the Trojan horse that earns attention and opens hearts. She traces her path from shy English major to professional storyteller, then to motivational speaker and coach, describing how laughter and vulnerability transformed audiences from arms-crossed to emotionally engaged. She introduces her three critical stories every influencer should master: your story, your brand story, and your customer story. Each turns facts into meaning and action.
She illustrates connection with a church “vision casting” anecdote, showing how story can move people from resistance to buy-in. Testimonials underscore her impact and her Story Crafting Course, which guides teams to produce three finished stories they can use immediately. In closing, Kelly reframes success as rewriting the internal script: the story you write becomes the life you live. Her call to action is simple and human—choose a braver, kinder narrative, and lead others with it.
Key Moments
00:00 Host intro and why to book Kelly; quick audience praise
01:10 Kelly’s playful cold open; what she’s “about” and customization
03:00 Childhood story on “being poor” and her father’s lesson about perspective
05:00 Humor and authenticity: confidence, body image, inner critic
07:30 From storyteller to speaker: discovering story as a tool of influence
09:00 Core idea: data needs a story; the Trojan horse of persuasion
11:00 Three foundational stories: your story, brand story, customer story
13:00 Church vision-casting example; moving from telling to motivating
15:00 Story Crafting Course overview; outcomes and deliverables
17:30 Testimonials on connection and practical impact
19:30 Closing call to rewrite the inner story; invitation to engage
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
Summary of User Reviews for Kelly Swanson's Speaking Engagements
Kelly Swanson is highly praised by attendees and event organizers for her exceptional speaking abilities and captivating storytelling. Reviewers consistently highlight her engaging presentation style, humor, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Many noted her keynote "Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale" as both entertaining and deeply relevant, leaving a lasting impact on participants.
Strengths:
- Engaging Performer: Attendees describe her presentations as hilarious and inspiring, often leading to a memorable and enjoyable experience.
- Connection with Audience: Kelly's ability to relate to her audience and address their specific needs and emotions is frequently mentioned as a highlight.
- Masterful Storytelling: Reviewers commend her storytelling skills, calling her an artful storyteller who effectively weaves humor with poignant messages.
Weaknesses:
- No significant weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews; the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Overall, Kelly Swanson is regarded as one of the best speakers in her field, having…
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (28)
- (6)
Joy Baldridge is an unstoppable force in captivating audiences with her dynamic presence and insightful messages. Embarking on her remarkable journey at a tender age, Joy’s audacious spirit and relentless drive have made her a prominent figure in the industry. Her passion for communication and sales has propelled her to the forefront of the speaking […]
- Travels from: Charlotte, NC
- Sales Speakers
- (30)
Sebastian Thrun is working, through robotics and artificial intelligence, to change the way we understand the world. Formally a fully tenured professor at Stanford, Sebastian Thrun left in 2007 to become a Vice-President and Fellow at Google. He founded Google[x], Google’s hardware innovation shop, to create a factory for moonshots. It generated Google self-driving cars, Google […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (23)
A natural born storyteller, Ramsey Bergeron uses examples from his life (including dropping out of an Ironman race, a 10-day silent meditation experience, and the loss of his father and best friend) to illustrate that it’s not what happens to us, but how we react that determines our legacy. He connects to his audience using […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Motivational Speakers
- (84)
Chef Antonia Lofaso is a culinary virtuoso whose talents have made her a household name in the world of food. Her remarkable journey from a young girl with a passion for cooking to a successful chef, restaurateur, and television personality is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Chefs Speakers
- (21)
- (5)
Matthew Luhn is a master storyteller, keynote speaker, and former Pixar story artist who has helped shape some of the most beloved animated films of all time. With over 25 years of experience in the art of storytelling, Luhn has worked on iconic projects like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and Up. His expertise […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Branding Speakers
- (19)
Dr. Mark Zandii is chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, where he directs economic research. Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of Moody’s Corp., is a leading provider of economic research, data and analytical tools. Dr. Zandi is a cofounder of Economy.com, which Moody’s purchased in 2005. Dr. Zandi is on the board of directors of MGIC, the […]
- Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
- Finance Speakers
- (40)
- (2)
Stephanie Decker is a true expert in resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity. In 2012, she faced a life-altering event when a devastating tornado struck her hometown in Indiana. While protecting her two children, she sustained severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of both her legs. Despite the unimaginable loss, Stephanie demonstrated remarkable strength and […]
- Travels from: Sellersburg, IN
- Inspirational Speakers
- (16)
Jack Uldrich is a well recognized global futurist, speaker, and author of eleven books, including a number of award winning best sellers. He is a frequent speaker on technology, change management and leadership and has addressed hundreds of corporations, associations and not-for-profit organizations on five continents. He regularly makes television appearances on the Science Channel’s […]
- Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
- Artificial Intelligence
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.