For many aspiring writers, the blank page is less intimidating than the question: Why am I writing?
According to Mohammad Tabrizian—acclaimed public speaker, author, and founder of the Eloquence Academy—this question isn’t just important, it’s foundational. “Technique can be taught,” he says, “but purpose must be found.”
Having lived and worked in both the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, Tabrizian brings a unique cross-cultural lens to the writing process. With fluency in English, Arabic, and Farsi, and a career spanning motivational speaking, education, and authorship, his message to emerging writers is both simple and profound: write with intention, or don’t write at all.
Start with Why, Not What
Whether it’s a poem, memoir, or self-help book, Tabrizian believes that every writer needs to anchor their work in a deeper reason. “Before thinking about chapters or titles, ask yourself: What conversation do I want to start? Whose silence do I want to break?”
In his own titles—“The Voice Within,” “Stage Whisper,” and “Bridging the Gulf”—he explores not just techniques of speaking and writing, but themes of identity, belonging, and cultural nuance. Each book was written with the goal of uplifting voices that often go unheard, a mission that continues to guide his work with young authors in both London and Dubai.
Navigating Two Literary Worlds
Aspiring authors in the UAE and UK often face different challenges. In the UK, there’s a robust publishing infrastructure but stiff competition. In the UAE, there’s an explosion of storytelling energy, but fewer accessible literary pathways.
Tabrizian, who studied Communication Studies at the University of Sharjah and later completed a Master’s in Public Speaking and Professional Communication at the University of Leeds, has worked across both ecosystems. His advice?
“Writers in the UAE have rich, untapped stories to tell—and a global audience hungry to hear them. Writers in the UK have platforms—but often lose sight of their own story in trying to ‘fit the mold.’ Both need to remember: authenticity wins.”
Build Your Voice Before Your Brand
In a world driven by content, it’s tempting for writers to prioritize visibility over voice. But Tabrizian urges writers to develop clarity before chasing reach.
As the founder of Eloquence Academy, he coaches storytellers of all ages to build not just their skill, but their self-awareness. His workshops in Zayed University and the University of Birmingham emphasize writing from lived experience, cultural honesty, and emotional truth.
“Don’t write what you think will sell. Write what you know will resonate,” he often tells his students.
Embrace the Spoken Page
One of Tabrizian’s signature approaches is blending writing with oratory. Through poetry nights in Sharjah and London, and his podcast “Voices Beyond Borders,” he champions the idea that writing is meant to be heard as much as it is read.
For aspiring authors struggling with self-doubt, he recommends reading their drafts aloud. “If it doesn’t move you when you speak it, it likely won’t move anyone else when they read it.”
The Path Forward: Community and Courage
Finally, Tabrizian reminds new writers that the journey is rarely solitary. “Writing can be lonely, but you’re never alone.” Whether it's a storytelling circle, a university writing group, or a voice note to a friend, he encourages authors to seek feedback, find community, and embrace iteration.
“Your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to be honest.”
In both the UAE and UK, where identity is layered and language is plural, writing with purpose becomes more than a technique—it becomes a responsibility. And with mentors like Mohammad Tabrizian leading the charge, aspiring authors are reminded that their words, when guided by purpose, can do more than fill pages.
They can change lives.
