Clinton R. Van Zandt

Clinton R. Van Zandt

Keynote Speaker: Former FBI Profiler & Chief Hostage Negotiator, Crisis Management Expert & True Crime Commentator

Clinton R. Van Zandt Biography

Clinton R. Van Zandt was with the FBI for 25 years where he served as a Supervisor with the FBI's internationally respected Behavioral Science or "Silence of the Lambs" Unit. He was also the FBI's Chief Hostage Negotiator and managed the FBI's Major Case/Crisis Management Program. Prior to this, he was an Agent with U.S. Army Intelligence and is a Vietnam War veteran. He served as the primary hostage negotiator for numerous high-profile national and international kidnap and hostage situations and has testified before the U.S. Senate.

He managed both the FBI's Crisis Management and Major Case Management Programs and has assisted companies across the U.S. and around the globe with their Crisis Management and Violence in the Workplace Programs. Additionally, Van Zandt regularly consults on these matters and other subjects such as corporate crises, workplace violence, and business negotiation techniques, sharing his expertise at various corporate and educational events.

As an FBI Profiler and Hostage Negotiator, he personally negotiated with Branch Davidian cult leader David Koresh in Waco, Texas, and conducted negotiations that led to the release of hostages held by prison rioters, and kidnap victims held by both South American guerrillas and terrorists in the Philippines. He correctly profiled Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh on the day of the bombing and led the analytical team that helped identify the "Unabomber." Van Zandt is also known for solving famous unsolved cases and discussing historical mysteries, such as the identity of Jack the Ripper.

A well-known author and television and radio commentator concerning crime and human behavior, Van Zandt has made more television appearances than any other FBI Agent in history, to include over 3,000 national and international TV shows and has appeared on programs such as "The Today Show," "Larry King Live," "Dr. Phil," and "The Oprah Winfrey Show." He is currently NBC/MSNBC TV's Chief On-air Criminal Analyst. His life and career were profiled in "The New Yorker Magazine," and Court TV aired a biography on his life ("The Negotiator").

His book, "Facing down Evil, Life on the Edge as an FBI Hostage Negotiator" (2006), is available nationwide and has been published in multiple languages. His other book, "Dynamic Processes of Crisis Negotiation" (1997), won the 1998 Best Book Award by The International Association for Conflict Management.

Van Zandt's seminars, lectures, and speeches are engaging and informative, offering insights into human behavior, crisis management, and negotiation. He holds a bachelor's, a master's, and two doctorate academic degrees, and continues to lecture widely, including on cruise ships and at major corporate and social events.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Clinton R. Van Zandt and other top speakers and celebrities.

Clinton R. Van Zandt Speaking Topics

Reading a Crime Scene like a Book: The real "CSI"

Reading a Crime Scene like a Book: The real "CSI." Learn the history of modern day crime scene investigations and how today's criminal investigators "read" a crime scene to develop a profile of the criminal. Real life situations and crime scenes, like the Washington, DC Sniper case, will be used to illustrate the points investigators need to know to solve such cases. It's not TV, it's real life.

What do the clues and other physical evidence left at a crime scene tell you about the crime and the person committing the crime? Former FBI Profiler Clint Van Zandt reviews the history of Crime Scene Investigations (the real CSI) and through case studies you apply these techniques to solve crimes. This lecture is interesting, educational and comes from someone who has seen the application of such techniques bring about solutions to crimes long believed to be unsolvable.

Psychological Profiling: Solving Famous Unsolved Cases

Former FBI Profiler Clint Van Zandt discusses the infamous Zodiac Case, the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, and the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. Consider the evidence as you learn first hand the true facts of such cases and decide for yourself who was really responsible for these crimes, this from someone whose been there first hand.

Similarities between Business Negotiations and Hostage Negotiations

Negotiate as though your Life Depended on it! The FBI's former Chief Hostage Negotiator contrasts business and hostage negotiations in an interesting, exciting and useful way. His lecture leaves his audiences with new business techniques to apply in their negotiation sessions where lives may not be on the line, but the company's bottom line is always there for the business negotiator to consider.

The new Age of Terrorism

What is the current threat posed by terrorists world wide, and might they strike again in America?

Former FBI Agent Clint Van Zandt discusses the history of both international and domestic terrorism from a review of history and recent case studies. He audiences with ways to identify suicide terrorists and how to protect yourself and your family when you travel.

The History and the Secrets of Psychological Profiling

What is the origin of criminal profiling and how is it used to solve crimes by the FBI? Hear the truth from a former top profiler in the FBI and see first hand how these techniques are applied to solve mysteries.

Clinton R. Van Zandt Videos

Clint Van Zandt talks about Orlando shooter Omar Mateen - YouTube
Clint Van Zandt Interview pt.1 - YouTube
2011 Spring Commencement Address - Clinton Van Zandt - YouTube

How do I book Clinton R. Van Zandt to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Clinton R. Van Zandt for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Clinton R. Van Zandt, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Clinton R. Van Zandt or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Clinton R. Van Zandt for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Clinton R. Van Zandt, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Clinton R. Van Zandt, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Clinton R. Van Zandt speak about?

Clinton R. Van Zandt is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Adventure, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Author, Futurism, Technology, Government, Law, Negotiation, Science, Security & Defense, Social Sciences, Motivational, Computer Science and Psychology.

Where does Clinton R. Van Zandt travel from?

Clinton R. Van Zandt generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Clinton R. Van Zandt?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Clinton R. Van Zandt for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Clinton R. Van Zandt for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Clinton R. Van Zandt or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Clinton R. Van Zandt is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Adventure and Personal Growth. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Clinton R. Van Zandt generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Chris White, Robert Cialdini and Montel Williams. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Clinton R. Van Zandt for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 27/01/2026.

Clinton R. Van Zandt Speaking Topics

  • Reading a Crime Scene like a Book: The real "CSI"

    Reading a Crime Scene like a Book: The real "CSI." Learn the history of modern day crime scene investigations and how today's criminal investigators "read" a crime scene to develop a profile of the criminal. Real life situations and crime scenes, like the Washington, DC Sniper case, will be used to illustrate the points investigators need to know to solve such cases. It's not TV, it's real life.

    What do the clues and other physical evidence left at a crime scene tell you about the crime and the person committing the crime? Former FBI Profiler Clint Van Zandt reviews the history of Crime Scene Investigations (the real CSI) and through case studies you apply these techniques to solve crimes. This lecture is interesting, educational and comes from someone who has seen the application of such techniques bring about solutions to crimes long believed to be unsolvable.

  • Psychological Profiling: Solving Famous Unsolved Cases

    Former FBI Profiler Clint Van Zandt discusses the infamous Zodiac Case, the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, and the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. Consider the evidence as you learn first hand the true facts of such cases and decide for yourself who was really responsible for these crimes, this from someone whose been there first hand.

  • Similarities between Business Negotiations and Hostage Negotiations

    Negotiate as though your Life Depended on it! The FBI's former Chief Hostage Negotiator contrasts business and hostage negotiations in an interesting, exciting and useful way. His lecture leaves his audiences with new business techniques to apply in their negotiation sessions where lives may not be on the line, but the company's bottom line is always there for the business negotiator to consider.

  • The new Age of Terrorism

    What is the current threat posed by terrorists world wide, and might they strike again in America?

    Former FBI Agent Clint Van Zandt discusses the history of both international and domestic terrorism from a review of history and recent case studies. He audiences with ways to identify suicide terrorists and how to protect yourself and your family when you travel.

  • The History and the Secrets of Psychological Profiling

    What is the origin of criminal profiling and how is it used to solve crimes by the FBI? Hear the truth from a former top profiler in the FBI and see first hand how these techniques are applied to solve mysteries.

Clinton R. Van Zandt Videos

Clint Van Zandt talks about Orlando shooter Omar Mateen - YouTube
Clint Van Zandt Interview pt.1 - YouTube
2011 Spring Commencement Address - Clinton Van Zandt - YouTube
  • How do I book Clinton R. Van Zandt to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Clinton R. Van Zandt for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Clinton R. Van Zandt, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Clinton R. Van Zandt or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Clinton R. Van Zandt for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Clinton R. Van Zandt, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Clinton R. Van Zandt, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Clinton R. Van Zandt speak about?

    Clinton R. Van Zandt is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Adventure, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Author, Futurism, Technology, Government, Law, Negotiation, Science, Security & Defense, Social Sciences, Motivational, Computer Science and Psychology.
  • Where does Clinton R. Van Zandt travel from?

    Clinton R. Van Zandt generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Clinton R. Van Zandt?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Clinton R. Van Zandt for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Clinton R. Van Zandt for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Clinton R. Van Zandt or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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