Scott Tillema

SWAT Crisis Negotiator. FBI-Trained Hostage Negotiator. Expert in High-Stakes Communication.

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In-Person Fee Range:

$10,001 - $15,000

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Virtual Fee Range:

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Traveling from:

Illinois

Scott Tillema- 2026 Speaker Reel

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Topics

Business Speakers Management Speakers TED Conference Leadership Speakers Communication Speakers Emotional Intelligence Virtual Keynote Speakers Communication Strategy and Facilitation

Scott Tillema

SWAT Crisis Negotiator. FBI-Trained Hostage Negotiator. Expert in High-Stakes Communication.

Add To My Favorites Check Fee/Availability

In-Person Fee Range:

$10,001 - $15,000

Fee Details

Virtual Fee Range:

Inquire for Fee

Traveling from:

Illinois

Why Book

Scott Tillema helps leaders and teams improve high-stakes communication – combining behavioral science with real-world lessons from his FBI and SWAT negotiation experience – so they can build trust, defuse tension, and lead critical conversations with clarity and confidence.
Scott captivates audiences with his dynamic blend of hostage negotiation expertise and relatable storytelling. He transforms complex communication concepts into “clear-cut strategies” that inspire leaders and professionals to create stronger connections in all areas of life.
Attendees leave his “inspiring” and “thought-provoking” sessions feeling empowered with practical tools for active listening and building trust. His unique ability to deliver “real and relatable” content makes him a sought-after speaker for conferences and leadership development programs where lasting transformation is the goal.

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, Scott 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. Scott 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.

Scott 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.

Programs

Leading With Influence: Powerful Communication & Navigating Difficult Conversations

What is the one thing that could explode your business while strengthening the allegiance of your team?

The answer is influence.

Learn how leaders can utilize the same powerful strategies of hostage negotiators to find influence in all their interactions.

This keynote bridges the worlds of crisis negotiation and business leadership, offering practical, repeatable techniques for building trust, navigating high-stakes conversations, and influencing outcomes under pressure. With memorable stories and actionable takeaways, Scott equips participants with tools to become more confident and effective communicators—especially when it matters most.

Key Outcomes:

increase influence
improve leadership
strengthen relationships
build trust
advanced communication

Topics

Business Speakers, Management Speakers, TED Conference, Leadership Speakers, Communication Speakers, Emotional Intelligence, Virtual Keynote Speakers, Communication Strategy and Facilitation,

Scott Tillema Reviews

Scott is an incredible presenter who delivered as both the keynote and breakout speaker. He has a natural way of connecting with people, making the content feel real and relevant through meaningful, real-life examples. His energy and engaging style kept everyone tuned in, and the impact of his message really stuck with the audience. Scott creates an experience that leaves you thinking, inspired, and ready to take action

— Zion Forever Project

Scott’s keynote presentation was absolutely outstanding. He was highly engaging, had us laughing, and sometimes holding back tears. His information was easy to understand and totally inspirational. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have had the chance to hear him speak in person. I am so excited to apply the skills I learned and want to do more training for sure!!

— Heritage Bank of Nevada, Division of Glacier Bank

The presentation was incredibly insightful, with great personal experiences and storytelling that set the stage and guided the overall direction effectively. Very engaging. The knowledge and experience you’ve brought to your presentations really captured attention and helped drive your initiative. Well done! Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us!

— AW Services

Scott, I’ve been working for 30 years and you delivered the absolute best keynote I e ever heard. It was inspiring and very helpful. Filled with both examples and stories but also incredibly helpful guidance. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please continue to share your inspiring message. It is relevant to all walks of life.

— Schaefer Advertising Co.