The Art of Storytelling: Engaging Audiences Across Borders

In a world that often feels divided by language, geography, and culture, storytelling emerges as a powerful bridge—an ancient art that transcends borders and connects human hearts. Few embody this belief more passionately than Mohammad Tabrizian, a renowned public speaker and writer with dual residency in the UAE and the UK. With over a decade of experience straddling diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes, Tabrizian has mastered the rare skill of crafting narratives that not only inform but transform.

A Global Voice Shaped by Local Roots

Born in the UAE with Persian heritage and professional roots extending to the UK, Mohammad Tabrizian has long navigated the space between worlds. Fluent in English, Arabic, and Farsi, his voice is more than multilingual—it is multicultural. His academic background, with a Master’s in Public Speaking and Professional Communication from the University of Leeds, is complemented by years of immersive storytelling, both on stage and in written form.

Whether delivering keynote speeches for the UAE Ministry of Youth Affairs or hosting storytelling circles at London’s Southbank Centre, Tabrizian consistently emphasizes the universality of human experience. “The way we tell our stories may vary,” he often says, “but the need to be heard is the same everywhere.”

Storytelling as a Bridge, Not a Spotlight

At the heart of Tabrizian’s approach is the belief that storytelling is not about performance—it’s about connection. He teaches this philosophy at his London-based Eloquence Academy, a training institute he founded in 2019 to coach individuals on public speaking, narrative crafting, and presentation skills. The academy’s signature event, the Voices of Tomorrow summit, showcases diverse speakers from across cultures, reinforcing that storytelling is both a personal and communal act.

In Tabrizian’s sessions, participants are encouraged to look inward before speaking outward. His bestselling book, “The Voice Within: Awakening Your Inner Orator,” reflects this ideology, urging readers to find their authentic voice before stepping onto any stage. He believes that authenticity is what ultimately resonates—not accents, not flashy vocabulary, but truth spoken with conviction.

Cross-Cultural Storytelling: Lessons from the Field

With certifications in Cross-Cultural Communication from the British Council in Dubai, Tabrizian has developed a deep understanding of how narratives shift across contexts. For example, while metaphors rooted in Bedouin culture may evoke strong emotional responses in Emirati audiences, those same stories might need re-framing to resonate with a British crowd. However, he asserts that the emotional core—themes like courage, belonging, or love—remain universally relatable.

This awareness has shaped his semi-autobiographical book “Bridging the Gulf: Stories of Speaking Between Cultures,” which explores how tone, timing, and cultural nuance play critical roles in storytelling success. As a visiting lecturer at Zayed University and the University of Birmingham, he often explores how emotional intelligence can be harnessed to cross cultural gaps with grace and authenticity.

Empowering the Unheard

One of the defining pillars of Tabrizian’s work is advocacy. He is deeply committed to elevating voices often left out of mainstream narratives—especially youth, women, and marginalized communities. Through his podcast “Voices Beyond Borders,” he provides a platform for stories that challenge stereotypes and spark empathy.

In workshops across Sharjah, Dubai, and London, Tabrizian encourages emerging speakers not just to tell their stories, but to own them. “Your story matters not because it's perfect, but because it's yours,” he tells young participants. This ethos is echoed in his poetic writings, shared at open mic nights in both English and Farsi, where personal vulnerability becomes a source of communal strength.

Conclusion: Stories That Travel, Messages That Stay

In an era of digital noise and fleeting attention spans, Mohammad Tabrizian reminds us of the enduring power of a well-told story. Through his work across continents and cultures, he champions the idea that storytelling is not just an art—it is a responsibility. When done with integrity and insight, it becomes a tool for healing, understanding, and collective growth.

As global conversations become increasingly complex, voices like Tabrizian’s serve as vital guides. They show us that while our histories may differ, our hopes often rhyme. And through the art of storytelling, we may just find the courage to listen, share, and build bridges that last.

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Mohammad Tabrizian

public speaker, writer & founder of Eloquence Academy, empowering voices & bridging cultures across the UAE & UK.