SCOTT TILLEMA
Scott Tillema helps organizations build trust, lead under pressure, and communicate with clarity, especially when the stakes are high.
SWAT Negotiator · Crisis Communication Expert
Scott Tillema is a SWAT hostage negotiator and senior law enforcement leader, FBI-trained in crisis communication and negotiation. With over two decades of experience, he teaches leaders how to build trust, lead under pressure, and communicate with clarity—especially when the stakes are high.
Practical Strategies for Leadership, Trust & Tough Conversations
Scott’s keynote, Communication and Connection: Insights from a Hostage Negotiator, blends real-world negotiation stories with research-backed tools from Harvard and Chicago Booth. He equips leaders and teams to navigate hard conversations, defuse tension, and build connection through emotionally intelligent communication.
Tactical Tools for Real-World Results
Scott’s presentations are story-driven and immediately applicable. Audiences leave with practical tools to ask smarter questions, manage emotion, and create trust—even in high-stress conversations. His delivery is grounded, relatable, and actionable—ideal for leadership, culture, and communication-focused events.
PRESENTATIONS
"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. With humor, insight, and tactical tools, Scott challenges traditional communication norms and equips every leader to connect when it counts most.
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 hard conversations with courage, empathy, and timing
- Create cooperation by offering autonomy and building connection
- Develop calm, clear communication—even under pressure
PERFECT FOR:
- Leadership development programs
- HR, people leaders, and culture teams
- Sales, law enforcement, or conflict-sensitive industries
- Conferences focused on emotional intelligence, communication, or resilience
"Reconnecting Humanity "
Our world is facing tremendous challenges and at the top of that list is disconnection. This talk is a journey through the life and stories of a SWAT hostage negotiator, and how the exposure to individuals in crisis has lead him to turn his life's work to bringing the concept of connection to those who most need to hear it and experience that transformation.
"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.
"Finding Success Through Conflict Resolution"
Are you working with challenging personalities who are causing conflict in the workplace? It's tough to avoid them! This engaging keynote / breakout talk teaches tactics to confidently embrace conflict resolution to find success for you and your business.
Breakout/Module Topics
"Emotional Intelligence in Crisis Communication"
Understand why emotion—not logic—is the real driver of behavior, and how to navigate high-emotion conversations without triggering resistance or shutdown.
"The Power of Tactical Listening"
Discover the hostage negotiator’s version of active listening—how to use open-ended questions, emotion labeling, and patience to build trust fast.
"Speaking with Purpose and Precision"
Master the art of message delivery—timing, tone, and word choice—to increase your leadership influence in high-stakes situations.
"Creating Compliance Through Respect"
Explore why respect and autonomy lead to better outcomes than control, and how to implement this principle in your team dynamics.
SCOTT TILLEMA
Great Speaker for
- Delivering high-impact keynotes on trust, negotiation, and communication under pressure
- Teaching leaders how to speak with courage, listen with precision, and build trust when the stakes are high
- Helping organizations defuse tension, lead tough conversations, and create connection in crisis and calm
- Translating hostage negotiation tactics into powerful tools for business, leadership, and team performance
Travels from: Chicago, IL
