Testimonials for Kelly Swanson Kelly Swanson brought a thoughtful, heartfelt keynote address to our 13th Annual Moms@Work luncheon. Her ability to weave stories that are thought provoking throughout her talk is artistry in motion. Our more than 500 guests laughed until their sides hurt, but they also had moments where tears welled up in their eyes. Her message of following your dream and staying true to yourself rang true with our audience of primary women, but the men who were there enjoyed her as well. In fact, one even said that in the 13 years of holding this event, Kelly was our best speaker ever. Kelly s ability to customize her message for our audience and the time allocated was greatly appreciated. She s easy to work with and accommodating. I would definitely utilize her again, regardless of the size of the audience. Anne-Marie Farrow VP, Business Development and Marketing Charlotte Parent & Piedmont Parent magazines Kelly Swanson was a real treat at our Convention. She had the audience belly-rolling with laugher. She has a way to connect with people - not just with humor but also sympathy and encouragement. Kelly really learned about our industry and the people she was addressing. She even wrote us a poem that had everyone on their feet requesting a copy. There has been such bad news spread to so many industries this past year, but it was a delight to have Kelly at our conference to give them a boost. Honestly, the best speaker we ever had. Amy Bryson NC Association of Long Term Care Facilities The presentation for military professionals was second to NONE! Kelly wrote a tribute especially for the military audience and they loved it! There were laughs, giggles, tears, and lots of applause! Kelly connected with our audience immediately, and they with her because they knew what she was talking about! Everyone recognized one of Kelly's characters whether it be family or friend! Finding humor in everyday life is sometimes challenging, but thinking back on some of the things Kelly said, laughter makes the challenge bearable! Finding that positive, new perspective on issues was a breath of fresh air. Kelly bestowed a great honor to our Service Providers who serve our military families - a great boost to a much deserving audience! Kelly - thank you again for a fabulous presentation! You made a lasting impact on my life, and am sure many others as well. Military Client We certainly had a fun time with you yesterday, and we appreciate all you did to make our event REMARKABLE. Everyone was very awed and inspired by your presentation and information. You kept it lively for 75 minutes which is an unbelievable task.the top educator of Novant saw me afterwards and was very complimentary of your information relating to Novant's core values.she said you had them exactly. We did tell her we met with you beforehand and shared them. So THANKS for bringing them out.in the surveys I reviewed, you were the tops by far. Beth C. Wilson
Executive Assistant to Janet Smith-Hill SVP/HR Novant Health Ph. 704-384-9478 I have to tell you about my experience watching Kelly Swanson. She was completely amazing and one of the funniest and motivating speakers I have ever seen. I have been to many seminars and the fact that she was down to earth, brought real life experiences and the creativeness of her style of learning into her program made the experience stick with me in a way I could understand and I could use. I could take her technique into other places besides work, I could use them in life itself. She made me laugh, she made me cry and she made me want to tell others all about her and to stay on the funny side of life. Thank you Kelly for deciding to dance and become a professional storyteller and bringing us into your world. Johnine Fregia Nurse Recruiter Presbyterian Healthcare Pat and I were in the audience last Friday when a marvelous storyteller and speaker captivated a crowd of 350 HR professionals. She was so real, relative, relaxed, and vulnerable. And REAL Funny with a message! Kelly Swanson is her name. (www.kellyswanson.net) Looking for a speaker? You can't go wrong here. Kelly Swanson will make every professional storyteller want to go back to their workbench and work a little harder!! Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems www.tyboyd.com Kelly Swanson provided the perfect closing to our event. Her ability to use storytelling to motivate and encourage a group of business professionals is remarkable. We laughed until we cried and left the event ready to take on the next project. We look forward to using her again and again. Courtney Fleming VA Bankers Association www.vabankers.org "Funny," "fantastic," "truly unforgettable": these are only a few of the many rave reviews conference attendees shared about Kelly Swanson, a session and closing speaker at our 2009 Bakersfield Women's Conference. Kelly quickly endeared herself to everyone with her hilarious storytelling, down-to-earth delivery, and caring attitude. Attendees couldn't get enough of her...a versatile performer capable of adapting to small and large crowds, Kelly easily engaged her audience from her first words...if you are looking for a speaker who is approachable, energetic, and a quirky combination of folk wisdom and southern charm, Kelly is your girl...i highly recommend Kelly for your next function; you'll leave the event ready to take on the world! Colleen Bauer 2009 Chairwoman
Bakersfield Women's Conference Thank you so much for all the information you sent our way. I truly enjoyed hearing you - you were by far my favorite from the meeting. I plan to share many of your words of wisdom with folks I know. We all need inspiration every now and then and your delivery makes it that much better. Best wishes in all your endeavors and I hope to hear you along the way again soon. Patti Fisher Director, Client Relations & Relocation Prudential Carolinas Realty "It was such a pleasure working with you for our recent Focus on You! Event. It was a huge success with our largest attendance ever! We had an enormous response to your program, with 490 ladies attending. We had to turn away 100 more due to capacity restraints. You were delightful with your southern charm, stories and characters. Our comment cards included so many positive comments about you and your wonderful program. It is truly a fun, hilarious program with a very positive message...something we all need! I want to thank you for being so nice to work with. You made everything so easy." Linda Skillman Center for Women's Health Shelbyville, Indiana "What a pleasure it was to have you with us for our Chamber Banquet. Your unique presentation style and vivid portrayal of characters was incredible." Ginnie Currin Executive Director Granville Chamber of Commerce In planning for our event, we have to be very careful as to who we bring in to be our guest speaker because they are representing our organization as well as themselves when speaking on our behalf. We try to bring in speakers who will appeal to a broad audience and not offend anyone. Kelly Swanson more than delivered! Read full testimonial Laura Smith, Executive Director, Literacy Volunteers Pitt County Greenville, NC 27858-252-353-6578 - laura@pittliteracy.org
I absolutely enjoyed every moment of the seminar and brunch yesterday. Your talk on adding humor to our workplace was very timely and I will incorporate more of it at my place of work. You are an excellent story teller and humorist. I hope you will honor us with your presence again. Thank you for a very enjoyable day. Margaret Streeter LV Board of Directors - Directory of IT Security - East Carolina University Kelly is definitely one of my favorite people to work with. I will always remember when I started out in radio my second show I had Kelly on, her contribution that day put me on the map. I learned so much from her in just twenty minutes. She is witty funny sweet and insightful, she knows how to help people communicate more effectively thorough helping them understand how to install humor and story into their conversations. She has a special gift that benefits all that are exposed to her work. The world would be a better place if there were more Kelly s. Joseph F. Price - The Reaching Peak Radio Show Tampa, Florida There I was, getting ready for one of the most important speeches of my career a talk that in many ways could change my life forever. I had all the material needed to create a wonderful talk, but something was missing. I was spending too much time telling my points, rather than sharing my stories. I use to think that stories were for storytellers. Now I know that all great speakers ARE storytellers. Kelly has the ability to help you turn your points into magical story moments that not only send a message, but captures your audience s heart. Kelly Swanson is my secret weapon, and I wouldn t leave home without her! Francine Ward -Attorney, Speaker www.esteemableacts.net After seeing your performance at the Ashe Arts Center last night, I have found myself remembering and chuckling throughout the day. Your performance looked seamless and flawless to me. I admired the way you engaged your audience and carried all of us to the height of hilarity, and then down to the poignancy of living, and then back to hilarity. Throughout the show, your authenticity and sincerity came through. Seeing you was a life-changing experience for me. Sherry Winebarger-Houck I would highly recommend Kelly for a very unique, side-slapping yet meaningful presentation. She will have your audience sitting on the ends of their seats hanging on her every word. Robin Phillips-Hauser, Wilkes Community College The Film Advisory Board is pleased to announce that Aunt Vyrnetta...and other stories from Cedar Grove CD has received our Award of Excellence tribute. Kelly, to denote your phrase "southern stories of humor and grace" most certainly describes your thoroughly down home humor that exudes
joyful chuckles in all of us. The magical way stories of Cedar Grove are spun captures your attention. Aunt Vyrnetta is storytelling entertainment at its best. Janet Stokes, Executive Director - Film Advisory Board, Hollywood, CA Thank you so much for your entertainment. Between myself, my mother-in-law, and my 23 yr old daughter, you had 3 generations in stitches all of the evening. Your message was wonderful! It was unanimously decided by the committee that we want you back again next year for an encore. Cindy McManus - Rehobeth United Methodist Church Kelly Swanson is a gem among storytellers. Her unique style, her wonderful effervescence, and her skill in bringing memorable characters to life provide a storytelling experience that is like no other. She has charmed and enlightened myself and my college students with her sensitive and skillful storytelling and her substantive, informative workshops. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I defy anyone to come away from a session with Kelly and not feel transformed by the experience. We highly recommend her to anyone who wants to learn more about the art of storytelling by hearing her talk about it and by seeing her embody it. Dr. Tallant, Professor of Communication and Performance Studies UNCW Kelly is great! She opened the Pink Ribbon Luncheon for High Point Regional with a laugh and kept us in stitches throughout the performance. Kelly closed with a laugh and a good message to warm the heart. Her message really rings out that you can touch the hearts of so many, even the ones you don't know with a laugh or with a smile. Julie Samuels, High Point Regional Health System After seven years of producing The Best of Our State, it becomes increasingly difficult to find funny, unique and original storytellers. Kelly Swanson fit all three, and delighted attendees with her bright spirit and high energy. Amy Jo Wood, Marketing Director,Our State Magazine You are a wonderful writer and an excellent presenter. You kept everyone on the edge of their seats wondering what was coming next. Carolyn Huggins, Furniture Capital Chapter American Business Women's Association Kelly Swanson's presentation at the National Speakers Association Annual Conference, 2009, was a highlight of the convention for me! Her sincerity and quick wit, balanced with an in-depth message,
made this speaker unforgettable. As a professional humorist/motivational speaker myself, I fully appreciate Kelly's talent. This woman is outstanding! Dolly Marting www.dollymarting.com Kelly's smile, humor, sensitivity, and genuine nature allowed our audience to connect with her as soon as she spoke. Her message of connecting with others through our hearts empowered us to "get close" to those we serve in healthcare everyday. As caregivers, sometimes our routines and the need to get the job done, overpower the tenderness and caring, Kelly reminded us it's the caring, the tender touch, the listening ear, and the warmth that comes from within as we give to others - that really matters. Kelly Swanson has a message for everyone. Sherrie Byrd, RN, Clinical Development Specialist, Rex Healthcare, Raleigh, NC Her "Down Home" style is warm and reminiscent of a female Mark Twain. Terri Rollins, 2002-03 President, North Carolina Storytelling Guild I laughed so hard I had trouble pouring the water. Banquet Waiter