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FBI negotiator & crisis speaker

Michelle Kelley

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.

Trusted by Salem State University

Michelle Kelley, Speaker | Retired FBI Negotiator
Michelle Kelley

Michelle Kelley

Boston, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Michelle

Boston, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Michelle Kelley's biography

At a glance

  • Retired FBI Special Agent and Hostage Negotiator
  • U.S. Lead at The Listening Institute
  • TEDx Speaker on elite listening techniques
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.

Michelle's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

A Conversation with Michelle Kelley
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.

Why we recommend booking Michelle

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.

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Trusted by Salem State University

Testimonials

Her insights into the practice of listening brought valuable and tangible lessons useful to newcomers through board level professionals.

Jason Sgro

President, Infraguard NH

Michelle Kelley is an expert presenter articulating the importance of listening in a way that the entire audience can understand. I highly recommend Michelle as a speaker and the topic of Elite Listening is relevant for all industries.

Kristen Hunter

VP Content & Experience, Momentum Events

Michelle Kelley is about as captivating of a speaker as you can find. From tips and tricks about how to become an elite listener in your own life to real world anecdotes from her storied career, Michelle has the ability to keep everyone in the room hanging on her every word.

Lauren Torlone

Professor, Salem State University

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Michelle Kelley for my next event?
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 fees. 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 a bit about your audience.
What is Michelle Kelley's speaking style like?
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.
What topics does Michelle Kelley specialise in?
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.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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