Write about the subject that makes your heart sing: Carmine Gallo

As a communications coach and speaker, the author has a passion in helping people articulate their ideas through compelling storytelling

American author, columnist, keynote speaker, and former journalist and news anchor. This is Carmine Gallo who is currently based in Pleasanton, California, and is President of the Gallo Communications Group. "I'm honoured to be in the presence of inspiring authors. It's also exciting to see thousands of readers who are passionate about books, authors and learning new ideas. This is my first visit to Dubai and I look forward to seeing all that the exciting city has to offer," he says in an interview
with Khaleej Times.
How does it feel when people go up to him and credit his writing as an inspiration for turning their lives around - books having touched so many lives? Gallo answers, "It's always gratifying to hear from readers who have adopted the ideas they've read in my books. I did not start writing to 'sell books.' I wrote because my passion gave me no alternative! My passion to help people articulate their ideas through story brought me to where I am as an author. It's deeply satisfying."
Gallo explains the writing process and the way to brainstorm ideas. "I'm a trained journalist so I ask a lot of questions and do a lot of listening. I go to where people take me. Now, keep in mind, I have a focus. My focus is communication. I look for stories through the lens of communication. For example, if a person is considered an inspiring leader or successful entrepreneur, I want to know how that person communicates his/her vision or presents their ideas. By approaching my work as a journalist, I've been fortunate to be at the beginnings of transformative trends in communication. I wrote the first book about Steve Jobs and his presentation skills. I wrote the first book on the TED talks style, and I've written one of the most popular books on storytelling in business: The Storyteller's Secret. I keep listening and acting on what I hear."
Speaking about projects in the pipeline, he says, "Right now I'd like to see where storytelling takes me. When The Storyteller's Secret was first published, 'storytelling' was just beginning to get known among business professionals. Today we hear about it more and more. Major companies have hired Chief Storytelling Officers after reading my book. These folks are reporting back to me and sharing some wonderful fresh insights."
His advice to budding writers, "Simple. Write about the subject that makes your heart sing. Write about the topic that consumes your thoughts and that you can't stop talking or thinking about. If you write to 'sell books,' or advance your career/business, the content of your writing will reflect the lack of passion. Also, regardless of the subject, think carefully about narrative. We are hardwired for story. We want to read about people who have faced a struggle or a hurdle, and who have triumphed over tragedy. It's an irresistible topic because we're wired for it."
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com