Who is Kelly Swanson? She is an award-winning storyteller, author, comedian, and speaker who speaks about using humor to conquer the challenges of the workplace. Kelly's keynotes and break-out sessions not only entertain and educate - they instill inspiring messages of encouragement and hope. Her husband calls her a mix between Minnie Pearl, Oprah Winfrey, and Martha Stewart. She'll make you laugh, touch your heart, and teach you to make a throw pillow out of a pair of old socks.

How is Kelly Swanson Different? Kelly is truly and radically different from any speaker on the market. And the difference is in the experience. She doesn’t tell you the message. You live the message. Traditional speakers give you information, but Kelly actually pulls you out of your world and takes you to her own fictitious town nestled on the edge of nowhere, to meet that wacky cast of southern characters who come to life at the tilt of her head - a place where life may seem simple, but the messages are real. You sit captivated as you step into their lives while they reach into yours with messages that cross barriers, make you laugh, help you get back up and take the next step – all wrapped up in an unforgettable experience. You haven’t been taught – you’ve been shown.

Author of: Aunt Vyrnetta and Other Stories from Cedar Grove - Book and CD It's All Fun and Games 'Til the Hair Gets Messed Up Humor CPR: How to Resuscitate a Failing Sense of Humor The One-Sentence Approach to Story Crafting Kelly Swanson's One-Stop Tour - CD and DVD

Featured Keynote:

Who hijacked my fairy tale? Finding humor when life doesn't go as planned And, by the way, life never goes as planned. There's a part of the fairy tale they never told you about - the part where the charming prince grows a spare tire, the princess develops anger issues, and dreams of happily-ever-after turn into unpaid bills, dirty laundry, and dreams of killing him in his sleep. At some point, even the fairest of us all finds a page ripped out of our fairy tale. Join us as award-winning storyteller and humorist, Kelly Swanson, takes us on a hilarious and inspiring journey with her wacky cast of southern characters who will charm you, inspire you, and remind you how to stay on the funny side of life - even when things don't go the way you planned.

Breakout Sessions:

* Dealing with hecklers in the workplace We all know them - the ones who feel the need to steal the spotlight - the ones who seem intent on taking away your credibility - the ones who sap the joy out of the workplace. As comedians there are basic rules to follow when dealing with hecklers. The same rules can be applied in the workplace. It's all about staying in control. Come find out some easy ways to maintain control of your audience. * How to get the last laugh: And be the one they remember Do you want to be the one they're still talking about a year from now? It's not about what you make them think, but how you make them feel. Come learn six secrets to being an effective communicator. * The serious side of humor: A look at why and how humor works Some people say funny is born not made. That is both true and false. You may not have the talent to become the last comic standing, but you can learn the skills to be funnier. Come for an intense study on using and writing humor. * Humor CPR: How to resuscitate a failing sense of humor For even the hopelessly humorless - some light tips on using humor in your line of work. * The Glory's In Your Story: Why stories work and how to use them Everything from finding the stories in your life, to writing them, telling them, and using them to influence others in your line of work.

What she's done: Kelly is the author of several books, CD's, and DVDs. She has won awards from the Parenting Publications Association and the Film Advisory Board. Her work has been featured in Speaker Magazine, Brio Magazine, Her Magazine, and extensive online publications.