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Your audience needs more than communication tips. They need a fundamental shift in how they think about storytelling.
Your attendees have heard the basic advice before: "tell stories, not facts" and "use emotion to connect."
What they haven't experienced is a research- and practice-supported perspective on how storytelling fundamentally transforms human communication, identity formation, and decision-making. Especially not one delivered by an expert who pioneered personal storytelling training in the last 14 years, and who tells a pretty kick-ass story herself.
Your audience needs more than communication tips. They need a fundamental shift in how they think about storytelling.
Your attendees have heard the basic advice before: "tell stories, not facts" and "use emotion to connect."
What they haven't experienced is a research- and practice-supported perspective on how storytelling fundamentally transforms human communication, identity formation, and decision-making—delivered by an expert who pioneered personal storytelling training in the last 14 years, and who tells a pretty kick-ass story herself.
You're looking for a keynote that explores...
Simple ways to translate complex expertise into stories anyone can understand
Where personal storytelling can fit in professional communication
The science behind why stories connect when facts and figures don't
Why the best professional stories blend genuine authenticity with strategy
How to use storytelling persuasively without crossing ethical lines or manipulating your audience
Proof that anyone can tell engaging stories—even if they don't consider themselves "naturals"
You're looking for a keynote that explores...
Simple ways to translate complex expertise into stories anyone can understand
Where personal storytelling can fit in professional communication
The science behind why stories connect when facts and figures don't
Why the best professional stories blend honesty with strategy
How to use storytelling persuasively without crossing ethical lines or manipulating your audience
Proof that anyone can tell engaging stories—even if they don't consider themselves "naturals"
Teach proven storytelling methods that transform how your audience communicates
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Balance inspiration with practical tools people can use right away
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Deliver the kind of presentation attendees will still be talking about weeks later
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Bring instant credibility with national media recognition (with credits at This American Life, The Moth, Audible)
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And to get there, you could really use an expert speaker who will:
Well, that's exactly what I can do.
I'm a storytelling expert who bridges academic research, deep education experience and real-world storytelling performance to transform how professionals understand and use narrative.
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.
My keynotes don't just inspire people. They restructure how your audience thinks about communication. Drawing on my experience as a two-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, published memoirist, and featured storyteller on platforms like This American Life and Audible, 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. I’m known for presentations that combine academic rigor and creative wisdom with accessible, engaging delivery and a high jokes-to-insights ratio.
Hi, I'm Micaela Blei.
I'm a storytelling expert who bridges academic research, deep education experience and real-world storytelling performance to transform how professionals understand and use narrative.
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.
My keynotes don't just inspire people. They restructure how your audience thinks about communication. Drawing on my experience as a two-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, published memoirist, 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. I’m known for presentations that combine academic rigor and creative wisdom with accessible, engaging delivery and 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
- "The Storytelling Classroom: Creating Spaces Where Every Voice Shapes Learning"
- "Using Stories to Build Vibrant School Communities"
Storytelling Across Industries: Sample Keynote Topics
What goes into a keynote?
For Nonprofit & Development Teams
- "Ethical Storytelling That Inspires Action (and Giving)"
- "Storytelling Strategies That Bring Your Mission to Life"
- "Storytelling, Story Listening: Serving Participants Through Story"
For Cultural Institutions
- "Making Collections Personal and Powerful with Narrative"
- "How Stories Turn Institutional Knowledge into Community Connection"
- "The Narnia Effect: Engaging Funders and Members With Origin Stories"
For Creative Industries & Media Organizations
- "Structure Without Formula: Creating Stories with Flexible Patterns"
- "Building Creative Teams That Tell Better Stories Together"
For Educational Leadership
Each keynote is custom-crafted to address the specific needs of your organization and event. My development process includes:
- Working with you to understand your audience and objectives
- Researching your industry or area, to make sure I’ll be relevant and riveting
- Developing customized storytelling frameworks that listeners can apply immediately
- Engaging delivery that balances insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways
Below are examples of how my storytelling principles and ideas can be tailored to various professional environments.
For Technical & Data-Focused Organizations
- "Find the Story Your Data Is Trying to Tell"
- "Story Spines: Turning Complex Info into Compelling Narratives"
For Corporate Leadership
- "Using Story Structure to Drive Organizational Change"
- "The Ambient Narrative of Your Org and How to Drive Change with Stories”
- "The Storytelling Classroom: Creating Spaces Where Every Voice Shapes Learning"
- "Using Stories to Build Vibrant School Communities"
Storytelling Across Industries: Sample Keynote Topics
What goes into a keynote?
For Nonprofit & Development Teams
- "Ethical Storytelling That Inspires Action (and Giving)"
- "Storytelling Strategies That Bring Your Mission to Life"
- "Storytelling, Story Listening: Serving Participants Through Story"
For Cultural Institutions
- "Making Collections Personal and Powerful with Narrative"
- "How Stories Turn Institutional Knowledge into Community Connection"
- "The Narnia Effect: Engaging Funders and Members With Origin Stories"
For Creative Industries & Media Organizations
- "Structure Without Formula: Creating Stories with Flexible Patterns"
- "Building Creative Teams That Tell Better Stories Together"
For Educational Leadership
Each keynote is custom-crafted to address the specific needs of your organization and event. My development process includes:
- In-depth consultation to understand your audience and objectives
- Industry-specific research to make sure I’ll be relevant and riveting
- Customized storytelling frameworks that participants can apply immediately
- Engaging delivery that balances insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways
Below are examples of how my storytelling principles and ideas can be tailored to various professional environments.
For Technical & Data-Focused Organizations
- "Find the Story Your Data Is Trying to Tell"
- "Story Spines: Turning Complex Info into Compelling Narratives"
For Corporate Leadership
- "Using Story Structure to Drive Organizational Change"
- "The Ambient Narrative of Your Org and How to Drive Change with Stories”
Thank you so much for your time and talent. This was the best webinar I've ever attended (and I've attended SO.MANY.) I will be working on taking some of your points and applying them to my work as a grant writer. I find it easier to tell stories verbally, but the way you broke down the elements of story really helps how I can tell stories in written word.
“This was the best webinar I've ever attended.”
— Participant, Girl Scouts USA Fundraising Workshop
The A-Z of working with me
I’ve produced enough professional development events myself to know that I want to be the easiest part of your planning. Here are the steps to working together.
Delivery
Pre-Event Preparation
Proposal
Discovery Call
Initial Inquiry
Follow-up Resources
Share your event details, audience information, and goals.
We'll discuss how I can craft a presentation that delivers exactly what your audience needs, and see if we’re a match. I deliver both in-person and virtual keynotes.
Based on our chat, I’ll share an outline and investment details.
Upon booking, you’ll let me know how you handle invoices/contracts, and I’ll make sure I’m up to code. Then I'll research your industry and audience to customize my talk.
An engaging presentation tailored to your event.
Attendees can receive supplemental materials to implement what they've learned.
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My keynote fees depend on a few factors: whether your event is in-person or virtual, how many people will be there, where I need to travel to, and how much customization you're looking for.
Rather than posting one-size-fits-all pricing, I prefer to have a quick conversation about your specific needs so I can give you an accurate quote.
I offer adjusted rates for educational and nonprofit orgs.
Curious about specifics? Schedule a call and we can discuss what works for your budget and event needs.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers
Of course, and it's one of my favorite combinations. The keynote shifts everyone's thinking, and a workshop lets people actually try things out. It's like the difference between watching a cooking show and actually getting to make the dish. If you're curious about workshop options, check them out here.
I believe in working with folks whose values align with mine. My work is built on principles of inclusion, equity, and social justice. Not sure if we're aligned? Let's chat about it! I'm always open to conversations about values and mission.
My sweet spot is 45-75 minutes, but I'm flexible. I can deliver anything from a punchy 30-minute session to a more in-depth 90-minute experience, depending on what works for your event schedule.
I don't just give you the "what" of storytelling, I give you the "why" and "how" too. I've got a unique blend of being a researcher, an award-winning performer, and someone who's built a storytelling curriculum from scratch. Plus, as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, I bring insights about communication that work for all kinds of brains.
Absolutely! And I don’t just shrink my in-person talk to fit on screen. I've built presentations specifically for virtual spaces that actually take advantage of the format. The feedback I get most often? "I can't believe how engaging that was on Zoom!" (And this way we can all wear sweatpants with our nice tops.)
Can we add a workshop after your keynote?
What makes your storytelling approach different from other speakers?
Can you do virtual keynotes?
How long do you talk?
What kinds of organizations do you work with?
I do my homework! Before every keynote, I dive into your specific challenges and audience needs. I'll work with you to understand what makes your folks tick, then weave in examples and applications that actually matter to them.
How do you make your talks relevant to our industry?
I have another question. How can I get in touch?
I'd love to hear from you! Fill out the inquiry form here or email me directly at hello@micaelablei.com. Or schedule a call, and we can chat about your questions!
For in-person events, 3-6 months gives you the best shot at getting your preferred date. Virtual events can typically be booked 1-2 months out. That said, don't hesitate to reach out even if your event is coming up soon – I sometimes have last-minute availability due to reschedules.
How far ahead should we book you?
Absolutely! And I don’t just shrink my in-person talk to fit on screen. I've built presentations specifically for virtual spaces that actually take advantage of the format. The feedback I get most often? "I can't believe how engaging that was on Zoom!" (And this way we can all wear sweatpants with our nice tops.)
My sweet spot is 45-75 minutes, but I'm flexible. I can deliver anything from a punchy 30-minute session to a more in-depth 90-minute experience, depending on what works for your event schedule.
I do my homework! Before every keynote, I dive into your specific challenges and audience needs. I'll work with you to understand what makes your folks tick, then weave in examples and applications that actually matter to them.
I don't just give you the "what" of storytelling, I give you the "why" and "how" too. I've got a unique blend of being a researcher (hello, PhD!), an award-winning performer, and someone who's built a storytelling curriculum from scratch. Plus, as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, I bring insights about communication that work for all kinds of brains. It's not just "tell a story with emotion" – it's a whole framework for authentic connection.
Can you do virtual keynotes?
What makes your storytelling approach different from other speakers?
How do you make your talks relevant to our industry?
How long do you talk?
What kinds of organizations do you work with?
Can we add a workshop after your keynote?
Of course – and it's one of my favorite combinations. The keynote shifts everyone's thinking, and a workshop lets people actually try things out. It's like the difference between watching a cooking show and actually getting to make the dish. If you're curious about workshop options, check them out [here].
I have another question. How can I get in touch?
I believe in working with folks whose values align with mine. My work is built on principles of inclusion, equity, and social justice – so I don't partner with organizations that promote or support policies that limit human rights.
Not sure if we're aligned? Let's chat about it! I'm always open to conversations about values and mission.
I'd love to hear from you! Fill out the inquiry form [HERE] or email me directly at hello@micaelablei.com. or schedule a call and we can chat about it.
How far ahead should we book you?
For in-person events, 3-6 months gives you the best shot at getting your preferred date. Virtual events can typically be booked 1-2 months out. That said, don't hesitate to reach out even if your event is coming up soon – I sometimes have last-minute availability due to reschedules!
