My storytelling keynotes combine research, practical strategies, and "a super charming onstage experience" (not my words! But I agree).
Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a conference of thousands, I'll create a talk tailored to your audience's needs.
Email me at hello@micaelablei.com or schedule a call to talk about what you need.
My storytelling keynotes combine research, practical strategies, and "a super charming onstage experience" (not my words! But I agree).
Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a conference of thousands, I'll create a talk tailored to your audience's needs.
Email me at hello@micaelablei.com or schedule a call to talk about what you need.
Seen in & Trusted by:
I'm a world-class storytelling expert bridging academic research, deep education experience and real-world storytelling performance.
With a PhD focused on narrative identity and education, I've researched how storytelling fundamentally shapes how we see ourselves and connect with others. As founder of The Moth's Education Program and developer of their curriculum, I've created the storytelling frameworks now used by thousands worldwide.
And as a two-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, published memoir author, and featured storyteller on platforms like This American Life, I demonstrate the principles I teach with my own award-winning storytelling.
I've headlined events from intimate executive gatherings to ballrooms of 9,000 attendees, including the opening keynote for SXSW EDU 2018. I’m known for presentations that combine academic rigor and creative wisdom with a high jokes-to-insights ratio.
Hi, I'm Micaela Blei.
I'm a world-class storytelling expert bridging academic research, deep education experience and real-world storytelling performance.
With a PhD focused on narrative identity and education, I've researched how storytelling fundamentally shapes how we see ourselves and connect with others. As founder of The Moth's Education Program and developer of their curriculum, I've created the storytelling frameworks now used by thousands worldwide.
And as a two-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, published memoir author, and featured storyteller on platforms like This American Life, I demonstrate the principles I teach with my own award-winning storytelling.
I've headlined events from intimate executive gatherings to ballrooms of 9,000 attendees, including the opening keynote for SXSW EDU 2018. I’m known for presentations that combine academic rigor and creative wisdom with a high jokes-to-insights ratio.
Hi, I'm Micaela Blei.
Your opening keynote was a tremendous highlight of this year's SXSW EDU! We love, love, loved working with you and you should know that from all quarters, including our post conference registrant survey, your presentation was a standout. Thanks so much for assembling a fantastic and powerful program.
“Your opening keynote was a tremendous highlight of this year's SXSW EDU!”
— Ron Reed, Founder and Executive Producer, SXSW EDU
What I Talk About When I Talk about Stories
What goes into a keynote?
My keynotes explore themes like:
- How to translate complex expertise into stories anyone can understand
- Why the best professional stories blend genuine expression with strategy
- How to use storytelling persuasively without manipulating your audience
- Proof that anyone can tell engaging stories—even if they don't consider themselves "naturals"
Sample topics I've customized for different audiences:
For Nonprofit & Development Teams: Ethical storytelling that inspires action, bringing your mission to life through narrative
For Technical & Data-Focused Organizations: Finding the story your data is trying to tell, turning complex info into compelling narratives
For Corporate Leadership: Using storytelling - and story listening - strategies to create a collaborative workplace
For Cultural Institutions: Making collections personal and powerful, and using storytelling for community outreach and connection
“Thank you so much for the fabulous event!! We received so many lovely emails from attendees this past week, they really loved you and your storytelling - and our team enjoyed ourselves as well!
People were so engaged! Micaela is a very accessible speaker and connected well, and she cultivated deeper interested for people wanting to pursue a storytelling path. It was a really good event from donor perspective because they received a student experience which is key for development work."
"People were so engaged."
-- ORGANIZER, MAINE COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Keynote fees depend on whether your event is in-person or virtual, audience size, travel, and other needs. I offer adjusted rates for educational institutions and nonprofits.
For in-person events, I typically book 3-6 months out. Virtual events can often be scheduled 1-2 months in advance.
We can combine a keynote with a workshop if you want your audience to practice what they're learning.
Schedule a call and let's talk about your budget and event!
Investment & Availability
Thank YOU! It was amazing! The content was exactly right and the tone (warmth, humor, reflectiveness about ourselves and others, and the arts) carried on throughout the day in exactly the way I hoped. And I really think the focus on storytelling techniques will carry into our “pitch” work beautifully. And, I’ll be smiling at the Mr. L story for some time!
“The content was exactly right!”
— Jess Handrik, Lincoln Center Education
Fill out the inquiry form, email me at hello@micaelablei.com, or schedule a call with the button below to discuss your event.
