Paul Lisnek
Political and Legal Analyst WGN TV, Award Winning Television Host and Anchor and Author
Biography
Dr. Paul Lisnek is a multi-Emmy, Beacon, Cablefax and Telly award-winning television host and anchor. He hosts Politics Tonight every weeknight on CLTV (WGN-TV's 24-hour news partner) and is the political analyst for WGN-TV. Paul hosts a popular podcast for WGN Radio called "Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain" which can be heard on WGNPlus. He also anchors Newsmakers (on Comcast) interviewing political and entertaining guests, and he hosts Political Update with Paul Lisnek and Broadway in Chicago Backstage (both on CN100-Comcast Network). Paul was also the theatre correspondent for the Emmy Award-winning entertainment program, Prime Time Chicago (Comcast Network). On the radio, Paul was a frequent fill-in host on WGN radio. He hosted "The Paul Lisnek Show" on 1690am-WVON, the Talk of the Nation for 4 years. In his political work, Paul has interviewed Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Mayors and other leaders. His interviews include President Barack Obama, President Jimmy Carter, Senator Dick Durbin, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Senator Adlai Stevenson, III, Congressmen Jan Schakowsky, Mike Quigley, Peter Roskam, Tammy Duckworth, Aaron Schock, Adam Kinzinger, Brad Schneider, Bill Foster, and Mayor Richard Daley, among many others. In his theatre work, Paul has interviewed theatre legends such as Betty White, Fran Drescher, Harvey Feirstein, and Stephen Schwartz, as well as Sir Elton John, David Schwimmer, Nathan Lane, Adam Lambert, Steve Carell, Larry King, Tom Brokaw, Barbara Walters, Jeff Daniels, Hal Sparks, Holland Taylor, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Rue McClanahan, among many others as well as the casts of major theatrical productions such as Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, Hamilton, Billy Elliott, Wicked, Big Fish and Shrek the Musical. In addition, Lisnek is the associate producer and Host of the Emmy, Beacon, Cablefax, and Telly award-winning special Day of Honor which follows a group of World War II Veterans to Washington, DC for a day that honors the military service of the Greatest Generation. Lisnek served as an-air expert many television networks and radio stations appearing frequently on NBC News (Today Show and Nightly News, including a segment "In His Own Words"), CNN (Anderson Cooper 360), MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, MTV, HG-TV and Court TV (In Session). In addition, Paul has served as an on-air analyst for C-TV, Canada's largest television network (The Verdict with Paula Todd, and Canada AM). On the radio, Paul has been interviewed on NPR and numerous radio stations around the country and Canada on the major legal and political matters of the day. Paul is also a nationally recognized jury and trial consultant whose office worked in the O.J. Simpson, Phil Spector, Whitewater, Enron, Casey Anthony (Tot Mom) and numerous other famous cases. The work of his firm is detailed in the book Acquittal and will be the basis of an upcoming TV series. In addition to his work as a legal and political analyst, Paul appeared as a host on House Hunters-Chicago for HG-TV and appears in the film Were the World Mine, (as a broadcaster) and will be seen in the film Heirlooms with music legend Melba Moore. Holding both a law degree and doctorate, Paul is a frequent keynote speaker sponsored by numerous corporations, government entities, bar associations, law firms, and colleges and universities. Paul is the author of fourteen books thus far. 14 books, the latest being a work of political/legal fiction called "Assume Guilt." Paul's other books include the inspirational Quality Mind, Quality Life and classic Winning the Mind Game: Negotiating in Business and Life. He is currently working on his first fiction novel. Paul has also served as executive producer for CDs recorded by jazz great Spider Saloff and singer/actress Alexandra Billings. He has also produced several plays that premiered in Chicago. In May of 2015, The Museum of Broadcast Communication located in Chicago opened the Paul M Lisnek Gallery, a permanent exhibit which honors and details the personal life and professional career of Paul in the world of TV and radio.
Speech Topics
Negotiation
Negotiation is one of the most popular topics taught in any setting; hear from the master who believes that it's worth trying to negotiate for everything and anything. The author of the popular book, Winning the Mind Game: Negotiating in Business and Life, Dr. Lisnek looks at the fundamentals of negotiating and addresses why a Win-Win approach is rather naïve thinking! He understands how people think and what it takes to help them win in negotiations from the largest corporate deals, to the flea market bargains. (keynote, half day or full day presentation)
Public Speaking
The # 1 human fear is public speaking. Dr. Lisnek erases the stress we feel when giving a public presentation and replaces it with enthusiasm and fun. He teaches the audience how to make presentations the best they can be for the audience, not just the speaker. He believes that it's not what we say, but HOW we say it. Paul ensures that the audience learns what it takes to put on the best possible show! (Keynote, half day or full day presentation)
Art of Communication and Building Better Customer/Client Relationships
"The Art of Communication" is an excellent presentation for a keynote address, motivational talk or skills training. Given 30 minutes, 90 minutes or a half day, Dr. Lisnek will introduce the audience to the unique components of communication that define and refine how we build relationships with colleagues, customers and family. He steps inside the process of communication, as he discusses how people process information and most importantly how each of us can improve the way we communicate to better reflect the reality of those who are important in our career and in our personal lives.
The Political Pulse
A Look at the Political Scene (with Predictions) Paul Lisnek is the political analyst for WGN-TV (since 2008). He hosts the nightly LIVE political TV show Politics Tonight (since 2010). Having interviewed Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, and journalists, Paul presents his keynote address as a neutral analysis, free of leaning or bias that will certainly lead to one half of the audience, or the other, getting upset. Paul's style is to walk the middle as he presents the challenges and pitfalls that lie ahead in the upcoming election season. He offers predictions based on all the data available, not based on personal leaning. "The Political Pulse" has been a well-received presentation that often leads to Paul's being invited back for each new election season. His style is funny, pointed, and respectful…a great way to get attendees talking and discussing the political and social issues of the day.
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Paul Lisnek's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Paul Lisnek's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Paul Lisnek's speaking fee?
The typical range for Paul Lisnek's speaking fee is $8,000–$15,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Paul Lisnek to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Paul Lisnek for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Paul Lisnek's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Paul Lisnek through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Paul Lisnek

Scott Friedman
Scott Friedman, Global Speaking Fellow, and former President of the National Speakers Association (NSA), speaks over 60 times a year on employee innovation & engagement, customer experience and how to create a happier, healthier workplace. He is a past President of the National Speakers Association, and one of 40 Global Speaking Fellows in the world. His latest two books are "Celebrate! Lessons Learned From the World’s Most Admired Organizations" and “A Celebration a Day - 365 ways to a Happier, Healthier Workplace.”
Fee Range: $6,000–$8,500
Travels From: CO

James Canton
A renown global futurist, social scientist, author and global advisor to the Fortune 100, James Canton has been forecasting the leading innovations and trends that have shaped our world for 25 years. Canton speaks on a broad range of topics such as trends in innovation, financial services, health care, population, life sciences, energy, security, workforce, climate change and globalization. He is the CEO and Chairman of the Institute for Global Futures, a San Francisco based Think Tank. He has advised three White Houses, over ten nations, and over 100 companies worldwide. He was on the founding advisory board of Singularity University, was a Apple Computer executive and has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox and NBC. He is the author of Future Smart, Technofutures and The Extreme Future
Fee Range: $10,000–$20,000
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