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

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.
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.
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.
An interactive high-energy high-content workshop on how to find, craft, tell, and leverage the stories that matter in your business to influence and persuade at the highest level. Learn the science behind the art so you can use the tool effectively. Learn what story is and, more importantly, what it isn't. Learn the formula for putting that story together. Learn the numer one story every person should have in their portfolio, no matter what their job or industry. Watch stories get developed and made over in real time. This program is a combination of teaching, interaction, and on-the-spot coaching. Best fits a 90 minute, half day, full day, or 2-day programs. Students receive digital copy of The Story Formula, templates to craft stories, and an online library of resources to access for one year. Full and 2-Day programs are designed to get attendees to walk out with a finished story. (Great for entreprenuers who need branding stories, sales people who need stories for presentations, speakers who need stories for speeches, and marketing people who need stories for social media.)
Note: This workshop can be catered to fit story as it applies to personal development, mindset, and the stories you tell yourself. This program topic fits a 45-120 minute time slot. It covers the six steps to rewrite your inner script, with some prompts to help you put it into action immediately.