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

Chicago, IL, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Scott Tillema 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, Tillema 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. Tillema 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.

Tillema 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.

BOOK Scott Tillema

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/06/2025.

Scott Tillema Speaking Topics

  • 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.

    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 difficult conversations with courage, empathy, and timing
    • Create cooperation through autonomy and connection
    • Communicate with calm clarity under pressure

    Perfect for:

    • HR and people leaders
    • Culture and DEI-adjacent teams
    • Law enforcement, healthcare, education
    • Conflict-sensitive or leadership-focused audiences

  • The Four Pillars of Negotiation: A Framework for Influence

    Scott reveals the essential four-pillar framework he’s used in high-stakes negotiations, from SWAT incidents to business deals. This session demystifies negotiation, giving leaders and teams a clear, actionable roadmap for influencing outcomes, resolving conflict, and building lasting agreements.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Understand the four pillars that drive successful negotiations
    • Prepare for and approach negotiations with clarity and purpose
    • Use empathy and listening to uncover what really matters
    • Navigate obstacles and deadlocks with confidence
    • Achieve agreements that stand the test of time

    Perfect for:

    • Sales and procurement teams
    • Executive leadership
    • Cross-functional project teams
    • Anyone seeking to improve influence and negotiation skills

Read More +

Scott Tillema Videos

Scott Tillema Speaker Reel

Scott Tillema Speaker Reel

Scott Tillema is an FBI-trained hostage negotiator and professional speaker who teaches leaders how to communicate with calm, clarity, and emotional...

Scott Tillema - TEDxNaperville

Scott Tillema - TEDxNaperville

The Secrets of Hostage Negotiators

  • How do I book Scott Tillema to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Scott Tillema for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Scott Tillema, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Scott Tillema or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Scott Tillema

    Speaking fees for Scott Tillema, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Scott Tillema are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Scott Tillema, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Scott Tillema speak about?

    Scott Tillema is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Communication, Crisis Management, Emotional Intelligence, Ethics & Integrity, Executive Leadership, Leadership, Negotiation, Personal Growth, Resilience, TED
  • Where does Scott Tillema travel from?

    Scott Tillema generally travels from Chicago, IL, 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.
  • Who is Scott Tillema’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Scott Tillema for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Scott Tillema for your next private or corporate function.
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Scott Tillema is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Communication and Connection: Insights from a Hostage Negotiator, The Four Pillars of Negotiation: A Framework for Influence, Leading Under Pressure: Decision-Making When It Matters Most and Building Trust Fast: Lessons from Hostage Negotiation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Scott Tillema for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Scott Tillema generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Pamela Barnum M.P.A., J.D., Christopher Voss, Robin Dreeke, Tony Perzow and Amy Eliza Wong. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Scott Tillema for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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