kelly swanson

Where humor meets heart—and every story becomes a spark.

Hall of Fame Speaker

Strategic Storyteller Coaching Audiences towards desired Outcomes and Deeper Connections

Kelly Swanson is a Hall of Fame motivational speaker, award-winning storyteller, and comedic powerhouse who’s spent over 20 years on stages helping audiences laugh harder, connect deeper, and flip the script on the stories holding them back.Kelly Swanson is also known as a humorous keynote speaker and storytelling keynote speaker who helps audiences laugh, connect, and see new possibilities in their work and lives.

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TESTIMONIALS

“We booked her for 35 events. Kelly has the perfect blend of talent, energy, insight and humor to inspire audiences. Her message of the power of storytelling is desperately needed in our field (government IT officials). I highly recommend Kelly without hesitation for any type of event in which you want your audience to be motivated, educated, enlightened and entertained.”
– Jack Mortimer, GovTech Magazine 2021
“Having Kelly Swanson as our featured speaker for our Pink Power Speaking Tour was…. a true pleasure, a riot, a lot of fun and just a hoot! … made us laugh ‘til we cried – and still made us think and connect.”
– Sherry Brisson-Jones, Event Coordinator, Vidant Health
“Kelly Swanson provided the perfect closing to our event. Her ability to use storytelling to motivate and encourage a group of business professionals is remarkable. We laughed until we cried and left the event ready to take on the next project. We look forward to using her again and again.”
– COURTNEY FLEMING | VA BANKERS ASSOCIATION
“Thank you, Kelly, for a very inspirational, funny, and practical talk! You have kick-started something in our organization that will make a profound difference in our culture.”
— Tri Tang, Carolinas Healthcare
"When it comes to storytelling and crafting the perfect message Kelly Swanson is in a category of her own. Working with Kelly, I have not only walked away with better stories, but I walked away with a deeper understanding of how to craft a story and the skills to do it.“
-Meredith Elliott Powell, CSP, CPAE
“I just finished reading the second set of evaluations (week two) and just like week one, the attendees found you to be amazing and simply the highlight of the convention. Time and time again the forms listed you or things you said as the most important take away they had from the convention. As a speaker, one does well if they can get people to remember a few things they say. But, if one can change a life through a message, there is no higher praise than that. Thanks for being part of our program. Best wishes in all your future activities. You have a gift!”
– Jeff Harrold, Chairman & CEO, Auto-Owners Insurance
“I had already heard Kelly was an amazing humorist, and she exceeded my expectations. … more relevant to our theme than I could have imagined. Took our audience of over 2000 on an amazing journey. We’ve booked her twice as a keynote speaker for Paycon.”
– Dan Maddux, Executive Director, American Payroll Association
“Working with Kelly is like getting a master’s degree in storytelling…”
– Keith Harmeyer, Smartstorming.com
“One of the best speakers we’ve ever had.”
– Kim McQueen, AADOM 2018
“I have to tell you about my experience watching Kelly Swanson… She made me laugh, she made me cry and she made me want to tell others all about her and to stay on the funny side of life.”
– Johnine Fregia, Presbyterian Healthcare
“Kelly’s smile, humor, sensitivity, and genuine nature allowed our audience to connect with her… Kelly Swanson has a message for everyone.”
– Sherrie Byrd, RN, Rex Healthcare
“Kelly Swanson was a real treat at our Convention… Honestly, the best speaker we ever had.”
– Amy Bryson, NC Association of Long Term Care Facilities
“Kelly did her research and delivered a targeted message that had us laughing (really hard) and thinking while totally mesmerized. The “formula” she developed will provide us a guidepost for crafting our own compelling messages going forward. I keep getting stopped in the hallway by people who attended, wanting to thank the team for bringing her in. The timing was perfect. We really needed to let loose and laugh. Kelly made a wonderful impression.”
– Sue Hoff, Research and Development, Amway Headquarters
“Our recent Medina County Women’s Conference was a great success, and that success was due, in part, to our outstanding speaker line-up! Thank you so much for accepting our invitation to be an integral part of our program. Describing you and what you brought to all in attendance is not an easy task, but at this moment, two words come to mind: PURE JOY! We could not have asked for a more perfect keynote address. Kelly, you are one of the best we have ever heard! We all left that day with smiles on our faces…thinking of your stories and life experiences, and we will remember you and your message for…well…forever.”
– Susan Denton and Sandy Kunkel, Sisters, Inc.

Brands Kelly has worked with

Keynote topics

With over two decades of making people laugh while changing the way they see their story, Kelly now teaches leaders, teams, and influencers how to use the power of strategic storytelling to connect, persuade, and create lasting impact. She doesn’t just teach story—she lives it.

Sharing her own journey from self-doubt to standing ovations, Kelly will show you how to flip your script, find your brave, and discover the story that’s been waiting to be told—all while laughing the whole way.

She doesn't just do it, she TEACHES it

Not only is Kelly a master storyteller, she has cracked the code on how to help others tap into this superpower and raise their level of influence. People from all over the world seek Kelly out – some calling her the Story Whisperer. Does your story need an upgrade? Kelly can turn it into something amazing and authentically you

The stories people tell themselves shape how they respond to change, challenge, and uncertainty. In this hilarious and deeply human keynote, Kelly helps audiences recognize the scripts holding them back and rewrite what happens next.
Audience Takeaways
- Recognize the hidden stories driving decisions and behavior.
- Reframe change and setbacks with a more useful perspective.
- Replace limiting scripts with language that builds courage and momentum.
- Leave energized, hopeful, and ready to act.
In a world of automation, distraction, and constant change, people still want to feel seen, heard, and part of something that matters. Kelly shows leaders and teams how story creates the trust and connection that information alone cannot.
Audience Takeaways
- Understand how everyday stories shape trust, culture, and engagement.
- Communicate change in a way that people can connect to and remember.
- Use story to strengthen relationships across teams and generations.
- Create a greater sense of purpose, belonging, and shared direction
Facts inform. Story moves people. In this funny, practical keynote, Kelly reveals how the right story can cut through noise, make ideas memorable, and help leaders influence without pushing harder.
Audience Takeaways
- Turn information into messages people care about and remember.
- Use simple story structures to increase clarity and influence.
- Connect the organization’s message to what matters to the listener.
- Lead, sell, serve, and communicate with greater authenticity.