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Keynote SpeakerShappi Khorsandi

Comedian, author, speaker and advocate for human rights

Shaparak Khorsandi established herself as one of the UK’s finest comedians with her sell-out Edinburgh show, Asylum Speaker. Despite the basis for the show being her experiences as a child refugee fleeing Iran and terrorists attempting to murder her father, Shaparak’s sensitive yet witty exploration of these events created an... Read more

Watch Shappi Khorsandi in action

Popular Talks by Shappi Khorsandi

  • Image The Hidden Driver: How Personal Healing Unlocks Professional Potential

    Trauma doesn’t stay at home, it travels to the workplace. Unhealed wounds build invisible armour that limits expression, creativity, and connection. When talented employees seem stuck, inconsistent, or invisible, it’s often not about skill, it’s about safety. In this keynote, Shappi looks at when workplaces create cultures that offer that…
  • It’s The Way You Tell It: What Does Our Humour Say About Us?

    Shaparak explains how, despite what some may think, comedy is not just about telling jokes. It is about taking a risk and displaying a confidence which can help you in every area of your life, and build trust with those around you. Humour is a powerful way to show other…
  • Defining Diversity and Embracing Cultural Difference

    The drive for diversity can sometimes make people in workplaces panic and scramble around to grab the nearest brown person and plonk them in a group photo. Very often, Shaparak has been that brown person. But diversity is not about tokenistic representation, and the conversation surrounding it needs to be…
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing

    In a deeply personal and illuminating talk, Shaparak takes the audience on a captivating journey from the 90s to the present day, revealing her own struggles with bulimia and anxiety disorders, and the tools and techniques she developed to cope with and overcome these issues. With candour, warmth and humour,…
  • A Woman in a Man’s World: Uncovering Everyday Sexism

    As one of just a handful of women in the 90s trying to break into a stand-up comedy industry dominated by bombastic men, Shaparak knows all too well what it feels like to be a woman in a man’s world. For every woman, in any sector, it can be a…

Biography

Shaparak Khorsandi established herself as one of the UK’s finest comedians with her sell-out Edinburgh show, Asylum Speaker. Despite the basis for the show being her experiences as a child refugee fleeing Iran and terrorists attempting to murder her father, Shaparak’s sensitive yet witty exploration of these events created an instant comedy smash hit.

It also lead to the publication of her childhood memoirs, “A Beginner’s Guide To Acting English“, her best-selling literary debut, described by the Scotsman as ‘filled with laughter, wonder and compassion’. Emma Thompson said “This very funny, acute book also made me cry”.
Shaparak went on to publish her first novel, Nina Is Not Ok, which was described by the Telegraph as ‘moving, funny and shocking’ and received tremendous acclaim from critics and readers alike.

Shaparak’s career has taken her to all corners of the globe. She has appeared on countless TV & Radio shows, including: Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here, Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, MasterChef, Have I Got News For You, QI, Pointless Celebrities, Question Time and Just a Minute, as well as her own show, Shaparak Talk.

As a keynote speaker and awards host, Shaparak can deftly handle the most serious subjects with a sprinkling of humour – a skill perfected in her early stand-up shows. Drawing on her past experiences as a female comic breaking into a male-dominated industry, Shaparak is a popular speaker on topics surrounding diversity and inclusion and mental health. Her charmingly candid style combined with her sharp-as-a-tack delivery ensure that whether speaking virtually or in-person, she never fails to connect with an audience.

Shaparak Khorsandi has done features for several national publications and has a regular, weekly column in the Independent. She has received an honorary doctorate from Winchester University for her contribution to the arts. Her mother was overjoyed, until she realised Shaparak can’t actually write prescriptions for her.

Shaparak Khorsandi has also received the prestigious James Joyce Award for outstanding success in her field from Dublin University. She has two dogs, two cats and two children so can often be found hiding in the airing cupboard, eating crisps in the dark.

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How to book Shappi Khorsandi as a keynote speaker

How do I book Shappi Khorsandi for a keynote speech?

You can book Shappi Khorsandi through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Shappi's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Shappi Khorsandi's speaking fees?

Shappi Khorsandi's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Shappi tailored to your event.

What topics does Shappi Khorsandi speak about?

Shappi Khorsandi speaks on Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Celebrity, Diversity, Facilitators & Moderators, Inspirational Women. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Shappi to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Shappi Khorsandi available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Shappi Khorsandi for events worldwide, subject to Shappi's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Shappi Khorsandi deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Shappi Khorsandi is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Shappi Khorsandi?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Shappi can accommodate.

Can Shappi Khorsandi tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Shappi Khorsandi on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Shappi can offer.

What languages does Shappi Khorsandi present in?

Shappi Khorsandi delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Shappi Khorsandi a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Shappi Khorsandi's areas of expertise include Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Celebrity, Diversity, Facilitators & Moderators, Inspirational Women. To get a clear sense of Shappi's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Shappi Khorsandi speak at?

Shappi Khorsandi can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Celebrities, Arts & Culture, Celebrity, Diversity, Facilitators & Moderators, Inspirational Women is relevant. Details of Shappi's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Shappi Khorsandi offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Shappi Khorsandi is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Shappi Khorsandi?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Shappi Khorsandi, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Shappi's current availability for your dates.