Scott Tillema
Keynote Speaker: Retired SWAT Crisis Negotiator; FBI-Trained Hostage Negotiator; Expert in High-Stakes Communication
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Scott Tillema Biography
Scott Tillema is a nationally recognized FBI-trained hostage negotiator, SWAT crisis negotiator, and senior law enforcement leader with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes communication. Known for his calm authority and precision under pressure, Tillema has become a trusted voice on how people communicate, make decisions, and lead when the stakes are highest.
He holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral science and an advanced degree in forensic psychology, and completed advanced negotiation training at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation. He later returned to speak and teach at Harvard events. Tillema rose through the ranks to become a lead negotiator on one of the country’s largest SWAT teams, where he navigated life-and-death scenarios that shaped his deep understanding of human behavior.
His expertise in emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict resolution has been trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, government agencies, and top professional associations. His TEDx talk on negotiation has surpassed 1 million views, and his insights have been featured in Newsweek and on the Power of Connection podcast by Perkins Coie.
Tillema is widely recognized for his lived experience in high-stakes negotiation, applying what he knows when it matters most. His work continues to shape how communication is taught, practiced, and applied in environments where trust, clarity, and connection are critical.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Scott Tillema and other top speakers and celebrities.
Scott Tillema Speaking Topics
From armed standoffs to executive boardrooms, FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema brings clarity to communication when the stakes are high. In this powerful keynote, Scott shares real-life stories from the field and translates them into practical, repeatable strategies for leaders and teams. Audiences learn how to build trust quickly, defuse tension before it escalates, and lead hard conversations with confidence and calm.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and work with emotion, because that’s where decisions are made
- Apply active listening techniques to earn trust and influence outcomes
- Lead difficult conversations with courage, empathy, and timing
- Create cooperation through autonomy and connection
- Communicate with calm clarity under pressure
Perfect for:
- HR and people leaders
- Culture and DEI-adjacent teams
- Law enforcement, healthcare, education
- Conflict-sensitive or leadership-focused audiences
Scott reveals the essential four-pillar framework he’s used in high-stakes negotiations, from SWAT incidents to business deals. This session demystifies negotiation, giving leaders and teams a clear, actionable roadmap for influencing outcomes, resolving conflict, and building lasting agreements.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the four pillars that drive successful negotiations
- Prepare for and approach negotiations with clarity and purpose
- Use empathy and listening to uncover what really matters
- Navigate obstacles and deadlocks with confidence
- Achieve agreements that stand the test of time
Perfect for:
- Sales and procurement teams
- Executive leadership
- Cross-functional project teams
- Anyone seeking to improve influence and negotiation skills
Drawing on his SWAT and FBI experience, Scott teaches leaders how to stay calm, focused, and effective when the pressure is on. This keynote equips audiences with tools for clear thinking, rapid decision-making, and resilient leadership in high-stress situations.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and manage stress responses in yourself and others
- Apply proven frameworks for making tough decisions quickly
- Communicate with clarity and authority under pressure
- Build team trust and cohesion in challenging moments
- Turn crisis into opportunity with resilient leadership
Perfect for:
- C-suite and senior leaders
- Crisis management teams
- Healthcare and emergency services
- Fast-paced or high-pressure industries
Trust is the foundation of every successful team and negotiation. Scott shares the principles and tactics he used to build trust in life-or-death situations and how these same skills apply to business, leadership, and everyday life.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the science and psychology of trust
- Build rapport quickly, even in tense or skeptical environments
- Repair trust when it’s been broken
- Foster a culture of transparency and accountability
- Use trust as a lever for influence and collaboration
Perfect for:
- Leadership and management teams
- Sales and client-facing professionals
- Organizations facing change or transition
- Teams seeking stronger relationships and performance
Scott Tillema Videos
How do I book Scott Tillema to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Scott Tillema 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 Scott Tillema, 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 Scott Tillema or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Scott Tillema for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Scott Tillema, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Scott Tillema are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Scott Tillema, 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 Scott Tillema speak about?
Scott Tillema is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Communication, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Executive Leadership, Ethics & Integrity, Negotiation, Resilience, TED, Crisis Management, Human Resources and Corporate Culture.
Where does Scott Tillema travel from?
Scott Tillema generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Scott Tillema?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Scott Tillema 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 Scott Tillema 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 Scott Tillema 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.
Scott Tillema is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Communication, Personal Growth and Emotional Intelligence. The estimated speaking fee range to book Scott Tillema for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Scott Tillema generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Christopher Voss, Pamela Barnum M.P.A., J.D. and Tony Perzow. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Scott Tillema for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Scott Tillema Speaking Topics
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Communication and Connection: Insights from a Hostage Negotiator
From armed standoffs to executive boardrooms, FBI-trained hostage negotiator Scott Tillema brings clarity to communication when the stakes are high. In this powerful keynote, Scott shares real-life stories from the field and translates them into practical, repeatable strategies for leaders and teams. Audiences learn how to build trust quickly, defuse tension before it escalates, and lead hard conversations with confidence and calm.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and work with emotion, because that’s where decisions are made
- Apply active listening techniques to earn trust and influence outcomes
- Lead difficult conversations with courage, empathy, and timing
- Create cooperation through autonomy and connection
- Communicate with calm clarity under pressure
Perfect for:
- HR and people leaders
- Culture and DEI-adjacent teams
- Law enforcement, healthcare, education
- Conflict-sensitive or leadership-focused audiences
-
The Four Pillars of Negotiation: A Framework for Influence
Scott reveals the essential four-pillar framework he’s used in high-stakes negotiations, from SWAT incidents to business deals. This session demystifies negotiation, giving leaders and teams a clear, actionable roadmap for influencing outcomes, resolving conflict, and building lasting agreements.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the four pillars that drive successful negotiations
- Prepare for and approach negotiations with clarity and purpose
- Use empathy and listening to uncover what really matters
- Navigate obstacles and deadlocks with confidence
- Achieve agreements that stand the test of time
Perfect for:
- Sales and procurement teams
- Executive leadership
- Cross-functional project teams
- Anyone seeking to improve influence and negotiation skills
-
Leading Under Pressure: Decision-Making When It Matters Most
Drawing on his SWAT and FBI experience, Scott teaches leaders how to stay calm, focused, and effective when the pressure is on. This keynote equips audiences with tools for clear thinking, rapid decision-making, and resilient leadership in high-stress situations.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and manage stress responses in yourself and others
- Apply proven frameworks for making tough decisions quickly
- Communicate with clarity and authority under pressure
- Build team trust and cohesion in challenging moments
- Turn crisis into opportunity with resilient leadership
Perfect for:
- C-suite and senior leaders
- Crisis management teams
- Healthcare and emergency services
- Fast-paced or high-pressure industries
-
Building Trust Fast: Lessons from Hostage Negotiation
Trust is the foundation of every successful team and negotiation. Scott shares the principles and tactics he used to build trust in life-or-death situations and how these same skills apply to business, leadership, and everyday life.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the science and psychology of trust
- Build rapport quickly, even in tense or skeptical environments
- Repair trust when it’s been broken
- Foster a culture of transparency and accountability
- Use trust as a lever for influence and collaboration
Perfect for:
- Leadership and management teams
- Sales and client-facing professionals
- Organizations facing change or transition
- Teams seeking stronger relationships and performance
VIDEO
Scott Tillema Videos
FAQS
-
How do I book Scott Tillema to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Scott Tillema 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 Scott Tillema, 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 Scott Tillema or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Scott Tillema for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Scott Tillema, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Scott Tillema are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Scott Tillema, 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 Scott Tillema speak about?
Scott Tillema is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Communication, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Executive Leadership, Ethics & Integrity, Negotiation, Resilience, TED, Crisis Management, Human Resources and Corporate Culture. -
Where does Scott Tillema travel from?
Scott Tillema generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Scott Tillema?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Scott Tillema 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 Scott Tillema 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 Scott Tillema 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.
BOOK SCOTT TILLEMA
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All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
