Writers discuss human experiences

The third day of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF)2019 featured talks and panel sessions that brought together influential and inspiring international figures from various cultural spheres, to shed light on their personal and professional experiences.

This 29th edition of the fair, which has seen soaring visitor numbers amidst an unprecedented public turnout,is being held from 24-30 April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Friday’s sessions kicked off with a lecture titled ‘Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories’, featuring author and businessman Saroo Brierley and education activist Ziauddin Yousafzai. Brierley, author of the best-selling autobiography A Long Way Home, which was adapted into the Oscar-nominated film Lion, spoke about his emotional journey back to his family after being lost as a child.Yousafzai, father of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and author of the memoir Let Her Fly, shared his touching experiences as a father and his struggle for equality throughout his life.

The second session,‘How to Become a TED Talker’,featuring business communication expert Carmine Gallo, focused on the skills and techniques involved in pitching and persuasion, key elements of success in business. The author came from California to Abu Dhabi to unveil the trade secrets the best public speakers use, including methods of selecting effective words and the power of body language.Gallo also touched on his extensive experience and professional learnings, much of which is detailed in his book The Storyteller’s Secret: From TED Speakers to Business Legends.

Friday also saw the launch of the book From the Diaspora to the Homeland, translated into Arabic by the Kalima Translation Project.A special session saw the participation of Brazilian authors Mirna Queiroz, Leonardo Tonus, Marco Lucchesi, Ana Miranda and Marcelo Maluf.The seminar focused on specialised dialogue techniques in Brazilian literature and highlighted the work of Brazilian writers and their connections with the world, as well as the profound influence of Arab culture on Brazilian literature. The participants reviewed selected works by Brazilian writers of Arab origin, as well as authors who were influenced and inspired by Arab culture.