Book Ric for a
Keynote Speech

Ric Keller, a former congressman, sitting in a chair during an interview or discussion at the Bob Graham Center, with a backdrop displaying the center's logo and name.

Ric has given over a thousand speeches, including recent keynote speeches to business groups, trade associations, and colleges. See a collection of the Ric’s Keynote Offerings below.

Contact Ric to Book

Keynote Offerings

Keynote One: Disagree Better: How Leaders Handle Difficult Conversations Without Losing Trust

Two men standing side by side at a political event, one wearing a lavender dress shirt and the other in a suit with a patterned tie, with an American flag and a blue backdrop behind them. The man on the right has a knee brace.

In today’s workplace, leaders are expected to navigate disagreement without damaging relationships, silencing voices, or escalating conflict. Yet too often, difficult conversations are avoided, mishandled, or leave lingering tension that erodes trust.

In this engaging and practical keynote, former Member of Congress and trial attorney Ric Keller shares a simple, memorable framework for handling disagreement with clarity, respect, and confidence. Drawing on real-world leadership experience and his L.A.W. framework (Listen to Understand, Act Respectfully, Wait Before Responding), Ric shows leaders how to address tough issues head-on while strengthening, not straining, relationships. Blending insight, humor, and actionable tools, this talk equips leaders to turn moments of tension into opportunities for trust, alignment, and better outcomes.

Audiences will learn how to:

  • Navigate difficult conversations without escalating conflict

  • Disagree with clarity while maintaining respect and trust

  • Listen in a way that connects and opens minds 

  • Create a culture where people feel safe to speak up and engage

Keynote Two: Leadership Communication: How Leaders Tell Stories That Inspire and Persuade

Ric Keller at a Tiger Bay Club event in Central Florida.

Great leaders don’t just share information, they move people. Whether communicating vision, leading change, or aligning teams, the ability to tell a clear and compelling story is what separates average communicators from truly influential leaders. In this dynamic keynote, Ric Keller teaches leaders how to communicate ideas in a way that is memorable, persuasive, and actionable. Drawing on a simple three-part storytelling framework, Ric shows how to turn complex ideas into clear narratives that resonate, stick, and drive action. With a blend of real-world examples, practical structure, and engaging delivery, this session helps leaders move beyond data and bullet points to communication that connects and inspires.

Audiences will learn how to:

  • Structure messages using a simple, repeatable storytelling framework

  • Communicate ideas in a way people remember and act on

  • Increase influence without relying on authority alone

  • Turn everyday communication into opportunities for leadership

Keynote Three: Leadership Communication: How Leaders Use Humor to Build Trust and Connection

Ric Keller at the Gotham Comedy Club

This is an expanded version of Ric’s TEDx Talk. In an era of constant pressure and rapid change, leaders often expect themselves to be polished and perfect. But what truly builds connection is not perfection, it is authenticity. Leaders who know how to use humor appropriately can lower defenses, create trust, and connect with people.

In this refreshing and insightful keynote, Ric Keller explores the often-overlooked role of humor, especially self-deprecating humor, as a powerful leadership communication tool. Drawing from his experience in public service and stand-up comedy, Ric demonstrates how humor can make leaders more relatable, more credible, and more effective. This talk provides practical guidance on how to create a climate of levity in a way that provides psychological safety, increases creativity and strengthens relationships.

Audiences will learn how to:

  • Use appropriate humor to build trust and connection

  • Lower tension and increase openness in conversations

  • Communicate with authenticity without losing credibility

  • Increase psychological safety and creativity  

You know how most leaders avoid difficult conversations, and when they have them, they worry conflict will escalate and damage trust? I’m Ric Keller, former member of Congress. I help leaders disagree better without losing trust. After three decades in high-stakes negotiations, I developed a simple three-part system called the L.A.W. framework that helps leaders handle tough conversations with confidence and strengthen relationships in the process.

Get In Touch