Poetic Language Innovator & Visual Storyteller; Creator of "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows"; Linguistics Expert

Minneapolis, MN, USA
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John Koenig Biography

John Koenig is the creator of "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows," a multimedia project that invents neologisms to capture untranslatable emotions, transforming elusive human experiences into words and videos. Koenig's work has attracted a wide online audience, establishing him as a prominent figure in poetic language and visual storytelling, with a focus on linguistics, psychology, and art. His approach demonstrates expertise in naming complex feelings, making them accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.

Koenig expanded his lexicon into the book "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows," an illustrated compendium that blends etymology, philosophy, and melancholy whimsy. His videos, featured on the project's dedicated site, highlight his skills in narration and animation, drawing viewers into contemplative journeys that encourage discussion and introspection. These accomplishments underscore his ability to engage audiences with intellectual depth and emotional clarity, making him a recognized voice on the nuances of the human condition.

As a speaker and storyteller, Koenig shares his perspective through online content and public forums. His project addresses the challenge of articulating unnamed sorrows, turning personal insight into a language that fosters empathy and connection. Koenig's background in language invention and emotional narrative positions him as a relevant figure for discussions on creativity, mental health, and the impact of words.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/02/2026.

John Koenig Videos

Defining the Wilderness beyond your Point of View

Defining the Wilderness beyond your Point of View

John Koenig’s talk at TEDxUniversityofPiraeus 2018 focuses on the feeling created by the existence of different human stories one may have never...

Deciphering the language of emotions | John Koenig

Deciphering the language of emotions | John Koenig

John Koenig explores the emotional meaning and weight we attribute to language. This talk was filmed at TEDxBerkeley. Watch the full talk here:...

The conquest of new words | John Koenig | TEDxBerkeley

The conquest of new words | John Koenig | TEDxBerkeley

Creator of the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, John Koenig, ventures into the unmapped corners of the human mind. He returns with words that give form...

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  • What topics does John Koenig speak about?

    John Koenig is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Creativity, Disruptive Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Fiction Authors, Personal Growth, Poetry, Social Sciences, Thought Leadership
  • Where does John Koenig travel from?

    John Koenig generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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John Koenig is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book John Koenig for your event is available upon request. John Koenig generally travels from Minneapolis, MN, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Katherine Rundell, Lindsay MacMillan, Lesley Lokko, Rebecca Yarros and Grant Faulkner. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling John Koenig for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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