Available to book
Michelle Kelley
Communication
Negotiation
Influence
Transform crisis communication into business advantage with Michelle Kelley, speaker and FBI hostage negotiation expert. Michelle works with corporate leaders to develop strategic listening skills and high-stakes negotiation techniques, delivering FBI-proven methodologies trusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Educator
Thought Leader
TEDx
Executive
FBI
Intelligence Services
Michelle Kelley, a retired FBI Special Agent and Hostage Negotiator, leads the U.S. branch of The Listening Institute, sharing her expertise on the power of listening in crises and the corporate world. Her journey from a primary school teacher to one of the FBI’s most trusted negotiators is a testament to her remarkable ability to connect with others, interpret subtle cues, and remain composed in high-stakes scenarios.
Initially working as a second-grade teacher, Michelle quickly learned the importance of listening and empathy—skills she would later apply in her FBI career. After joining the FBI in 2001, she trained as a Special Agent at Quantico and soon found herself assigned to counterintelligence and counterterrorism roles, including the 9/11 investigation. In 2003, she joined the crisis negotiation team, guiding families and law enforcement agencies in negotiating the release of hostages held by terrorists and criminal gangs. Her ability to remain calm and build rapport in extreme situations earned her a reputation as a leading figure in crisis communication.
Michelle’s work at The Listening Institute focuses on teaching business leaders to harness advanced listening techniques to gain a strategic advantage. Her approach demonstrates how the skills used in life-or-death negotiations can be transferred to the corporate world, enhancing leaders’ abilities to influence others and achieve meaningful outcomes. Her keynotes and workshops offer a unique blend of storytelling and practical insights, showing audiences how to listen deeply, build trust, and communicate clearly.
In addition to her negotiation work, Michelle has contributed to cybersecurity education through the FBI’s InfraGard program, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors in addressing cybercrime. Today, Michelle’s legacy extends beyond law enforcement, as she trains professionals across sectors to listen like hostage negotiators, helping them handle complex interactions with a level-headed and strategic approach.
Topics, sessions and talks
Michelle Kelley blends her expertise as a former FBI hostage negotiator with practical insights on elite listening techniques that drive effective communication and leadership. She addresses common pitfalls in negotiation, such as the over-reliance on questions, and illustrates how to gain valuable intelligence through attentive listening. By fostering clarity and trust, Michelle empowers participants to influence conversations meaningfully and lead discussions with confidence. Attendees will engage with compelling examples and interactive exercises, enhancing their skills to navigate difficult discussions effectively.
Book Michelle Kelley to transform your team's communication skills. Her unique insights from high-stakes hostage negotiations give you the tools to navigate difficult conversations with confidence. Learn the art of listening and negotiation from a seasoned expert, enhancing your influence and effectiveness in any professional setting.
Testimonials
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frequently asked questions
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To book Michelle Kelley, email michelle.kelley@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Michelle's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
Michelle Kelley structures her sessions around the transfer of FBI hostage negotiation techniques to corporate and leadership contexts, using case-based storytelling drawn from her field experience alongside interactive exercises that place attendees in negotiation scenarios.
Michelle Kelley's sessions cover elite listening techniques, negotiation pitfalls, and building trust and clarity in high-stakes communication. She is a retired FBI Special Agent and Hostage Negotiator who led crisis negotiations involving hostages held by terrorists and criminal gangs, and now heads the U.S. branch of The Listening Institute.
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