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Meet the NYU Professor Going Viral for His Hot Takes – Scott Galloway
23 segments available
Sign Up for "Writing Examples" and Learn From The Best Writing of All Time: https://www.writingexamples.com Scott is a cocktail of crass humor, brutal honesty, and millionaire advice. He spent ten years wanting to write a book, and when he finally did, everything he learned could be summed up into two words: Be fearless. So buckle up — because today, you’re going to learn how to write fearlessly. In this episode, we break down the nitty-gritty mechanics of fearless writing: how to create intimacy with your reader, how to craft a narrative, how to share bold opinions, how to use humor as a weapon, and most importantly, how to write from conversation. (This is one of our favorite concepts we teach in Write of Passage. Your best ideas don’t come from typing; they come from talking.) Put simply, Scott is the king of strong opinions, loosely held. And that’s why his writing resonates. If you want to be bold and fearless in your writing, then this episode is for you. WRITE OF PASSAGE: Want to learn more about the next class of Write of Passage? https://writeofpassage.com TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:35 Writing your first book ("The Four") 00:04:45 Scott's Team & Process 00:06:40 The power of communications 00:10:55 Mediums (Reading, Writing, Podcasting) 00:14:35 Being real and authentic 00:18:35 Be fearless like Muhammad Ali 00:19:35 Atheism, speaking your mind, courage 00:21:05 TED Talk 00:28:05 Storytelling 00:32:05 Controlling narratives 00:34:05 Humor and comedy 00:36:55 Make people feel something 00:38:35 Speaking vs Writing 00:41:35 Scott's superpower 00:46:30 Framing and perspective 00:51:25 TED Talk clip (social security) 00:53:50 Catalyzing conversations 00:58:40 TED Talk clip (movement and choreography) 01:02:35 Facts and data 01:07:05 The Nvidia Economy 01:09:55 Brand strategy 01:14:00 Fire round! 01:18:05 Life is so rich 01:20:35 Bonus (Writing Example of John Steinbeck) PODCAST LINKS: Website: https://writeofpassage.com/how-i-write Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv ABOUT THE HOST: I’m David Perell and I’m a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. How I Write is a podcast by Write of Passage // Production by Adam Soccolich
Segments Timeline
The Art of Storytelling
Scott Galloway emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a crucial skill for convincing others and engaging audiences. He reflects on his journey to writing his first book at 52, wishing he had started earlier. This segment sets the stage for understanding how effective communication can create connections and influence.
"let's be unafraid let's talk about the most controversial things as long as we think we have an interesting take and we think people can learn you said that if your boys could learn one skill yeah it ..."
The Power of Communication
In this segment, Scott discusses his communication process and the role of humor in creating memorable connections with audiences. He shares insights from his TED Talk, highlighting the importance of pacing, data, and humor in effective storytelling. This segment illustrates how humor can be a powerful tool in communication.
"these 90 minutes absolutely rip when you wrote the four you were talking about it and you said that you had thought about writing that book for like a decade yeah how didd you know that you were ready..."
Collaborative Writing Process
Scott reveals his collaborative approach to writing, explaining how he relies on a team to draft and edit his work. He emphasizes the importance of deadlines and the editing process, noting that much of his content is improved through collaboration. This segment highlights the value of teamwork in producing high-quality writing.
"the magic happens in the editing process tell me about that well look a greatness is in the agency of others and a lot of people will say to me kindly I can't get over how much content you produce you..."
Finding Your Voice
Scott discusses the challenge of finding one's voice in writing and communication. He shares his experiences with AI and how it can mimic his style, but emphasizes the difficulty of truly capturing one's unique voice. This segment explores the nuances of personal expression and the importance of authenticity in communication.
"this day one I come in I'm working for you y we got a one-hour meeting yep and you say you're going to help me with my communication what is the structure of that meeting what is it that you're trying..."
Creating Intimacy with Your Audience
In this segment, Scott reflects on the intimacy established through podcasting and how it fosters a deeper connection with listeners. He discusses the emotional resonance of his content and the importance of vulnerability in creating meaningful relationships with audiences. This segment underscores the power of personal storytelling.
"so hard well this is what I want to get into and really learn from you is you can almost think of every reader writer relationship of what is the distance right so I was think about who is Scott Gallo..."
Be Fearless Like Muhammad Ali
Scott draws inspiration from Muhammad Ali, encouraging writers to be fearless in their opinions and storytelling. He discusses the importance of addressing controversial topics and being open to dialogue. This segment motivates aspiring writers to embrace boldness in their writing.
"from a group that doesn't do a lot of that Miles Davis the jazz musician he has a quote that I really like it says sometimes it takes a long time to be able to play like yourself and one of the things..."
The Courage to Speak Your Mind
Scott shares his thoughts on atheism and the courage required to express one's beliefs openly. He emphasizes the importance of being unafraid to share bold opinions, even if they may provoke disagreement. This segment highlights the value of authenticity and courage in communication.
"they'll think okay he was Fearless because I think if there was anything the people I think about that are really have changed the world I think all of them had one you know a couple things they were ..."
The Impact of Storytelling
Scott discusses the significance of storytelling in shaping narratives and influencing perspectives. He explores how effective storytelling can catalyze conversations and drive change. This segment reinforces the idea that storytelling is a powerful tool for communication.
"say courage but comfort for me how do you think about pacing like when you started your Ted Talk you said I got 17 minutes 20 seconds something like that and you have a way of communicating where you ..."
Controlling Your Narrative
In this segment, Scott explains the importance of controlling narratives in communication. He discusses strategies for framing messages and the impact of narrative control on audience perception. This segment provides insights into the mechanics of effective storytelling.
"that if your boys could learn one skill yeah it would be storytelling 100% why that and tell me about the mechanics of Storytelling that you were to teach them like if you were to have a curriculum wh..."
Using Humor as a Weapon
Scott elaborates on the role of humor in communication, describing it as a weapon for engagement. He shares examples of how humor can disarm audiences and create a connection. This segment highlights the strategic use of humor in effective storytelling.
"arrows of progress in society you can have investors shareholders employees people feel that there's a certain inevitability to your success yeah well look it the the CEO of every company at the end o..."
Eliciting Emotions Through Writing
Scott discusses the importance of making people feel something through writing. He emphasizes that emotional resonance is key to impactful storytelling. This segment explores the emotional aspects of communication and the power of vulnerability.
"what you're doing here but it was informed by your process early on so you're talking about the Google Docs and hey we need an anecdote here quick story here but you do something that comedians do ver..."
The Difference Between Speaking and Writing
In this segment, Scott contrasts the dynamics of speaking versus writing. He shares insights on how the two mediums differ in terms of audience engagement and emotional connection. This segment provides a deeper understanding of the nuances between spoken and written communication.
"occasionally it upsets people and you know I I lose audience sometimes we cover the right well you say this making people feel something bests any business Insight oh 100% it I mean if you can make pe..."
Scott's Superpower
Scott reflects on his unique strengths as a communicator and writer. He discusses the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in his work. This segment highlights the qualities that make Scott's communication style resonate with audiences.
"that pressure I need those deadlines how do you think that your experience building L2 and and brand has informed your work here's some of the things that I see algebra building a series of sequels an..."
Framing and Perspective
Scott delves into the concepts of framing and perspective in communication. He explains how the way information is presented can influence audience perception. This segment emphasizes the strategic aspects of storytelling.
"were talking earlier about this war between The Young and the old but the way that you frame it at the beginning and the end it's the book end of the talk is do we love our children and so now you've ..."
Catalyzing Conversations
In this segment, Scott discusses the role of communication in sparking conversations. He shares strategies for engaging audiences and encouraging dialogue. This segment highlights the importance of interaction in effective storytelling.
"I want to do I cut up some little segments from your talk and then I kind of want to know what you're I want to know what you're going for sure all right 80% of you 80% of you have absolutely no reaso..."
The Role of Facts and Data
Scott emphasizes the importance of incorporating facts and data into storytelling. He discusses how evidence can strengthen arguments and enhance credibility. This segment provides insights into the analytical aspects of effective communication.
"let's be honest there's something there's a lesson here that I've really gathered I can't believe I didn't see this in years of reading your work but a lot of times when people are thinking about writ..."
Understanding the Nvidia Economy
Scott explores the concept of the Nvidia economy and its implications for the future. He discusses the intersection of technology and economics, providing insights into emerging trends. This segment highlights the relevance of current events in storytelling.
"things let's do another one game tape so tell me what's going on here rhetorically how you're thinking about the construction of this section people over the age of 60 in the US pretty happy people un..."
Brand Strategy Insights
In this segment, Scott shares his thoughts on brand strategy and its importance in communication. He discusses how effective branding can influence audience perception and engagement. This segment provides valuable insights for aspiring communicators.
"economic growth I was talking to a friend yesterday and we and he said you know what's underrated facts what do you mean facts facts are useless you memorize them in school what's the point no no he's..."
Rapid Fire Round
Scott participates in a rapid-fire round of questions, providing quick insights and opinions on various topics. This segment showcases his ability to think on his feet and articulate his thoughts succinctly.
"this is a great prompt find something big data point story okay so what you just did is you found that and then you say what is the blast radius that's a good word for it so blast radius now let's ask..."
Life's Rich Experiences
Scott reflects on the richness of life experiences and their impact on storytelling. He shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the importance of embracing life's moments. This segment emphasizes the value of personal narratives in communication.
"more piece of game tape I want to read you a paragraph that you wrote many years ago but I've saved this and we'll talk through the The Voice here yeah brand on the other hand is Latin for irrational ..."
Writing Example of John Steinbeck
In this final segment, Scott discusses a writing example from John Steinbeck, highlighting the lessons that can be learned from his work. He emphasizes the importance of studying great writers to improve one's own craft. This segment concludes the episode with a focus on learning from the best.
"we'll end with life is so rich and call today perfect for writers yeah the ratio of time you spend sweating to watching others sweat is a forward-looking indicator of your success the people who survi..."
Simplicity in Writing: Lessons from Steinbeck
Scott analyzes a passage from John Steinbeck's 'East of Eden,' illustrating how simple language can evoke powerful imagery and emotions. He breaks down the sensory details and pacing in Steinbeck's writing, encouraging aspiring writers to embrace simplicity and clarity in their own work.
"it in well thanks for doing this the thing that I'm really going to take with me is the the point about unconditional love and seeing a prism for writing that's timid or fearful as maybe uncondition n..."
Common Language, Uncommon Impact
In this concluding segment, Scott reinforces the idea that effective writing doesn't require complex vocabulary. He encourages writers to use common language to convey relatable experiences, demonstrating that simplicity can create a profound impact on readers, and invites listeners to explore more writing examples.
"look at this paragraph there's three sentences and the whole paragraph is a single fluid continuous thought that goes from top to bottom every sentence roughly the same length what does that do is it ..."