Margot Leitman is a bestselling author, award-winning storyteller, and internationally recognized speaker and educator. A trailblazer in the modern storytelling movement, she was the first-ever Moth Grand SLAM Champion to score a perfect 10 and has since become a leading voice in personal narrative performance and instruction.
Her critically acclaimed books include Long Story Short: The Only Storytelling Guide You’ll Ever Need, What’s Your Story?, and the comedic memoir Gawky: Tales of an Extra Long Awkward Phase. She worked as the west coast story scout for This American Life and has written for Paramount, NBC, Dreamworks TV, and the Hallmark Channel, among others.
Leitman has brought the art of storytelling to global stages, from corporate boardrooms to sold-out theaters, and has worked with clients such as Facebook, the WGA, and on Jennette McCurdy’s sold-out solo show “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” With a background in stand-up and improv comedy (UCB), she brings a signature blend of humor, authenticity, and emotional resonance to every stage, classroom and project. She lives in Los Angeles where she is faculty at the Los Angeles Film School while continuing to write, perform, and teach the transformative power of storytelling.