.

32
32x1
Introduction
Episode overview
Meet your instructor—best-selling author and longtime New Yorker staff writer, Malcolm Gladwell. Malcolm outlines what he has planned for your class and reflects on the idea of writing as a calling.
32x2
Structuring Narrative: The Imperfect Puzzle
Episode overview
Malcolm likes an imperfect argument—the perfect argument is too obvious. Learn how Malcolm builds an open-ended puzzle into his story, “The Ketchup Conundrum.”
32x3
Holding Readers: Tools for Engagement
Episode overview
Data is a big part of Malcolm’s stories. Learn three ways Malcolm helps readers digest data and engage with complex ideas in his writing.
32x4
Holding Readers: Controlling Information
Episode overview
Learn how to use surprises, guessing games, and suspense to invite readers into your story.
32x5
Research
Episode overview
Malcolm shares his guiding principles to uncovering a good idea for a story through research.
32x6
Selecting the Story
Episode overview
What makes a story worth pursuing? Malcolm talks through his criteria for spotting a unique story and the first steps of story development.
32x7
Developing the Story
Episode overview
Learn how Malcolm grows the idea of a story, and how he tests new ideas with family and friends.
32x8
Developing the Story: Analogous Worlds
Episode overview
Using David and Goliath and “What the Dog Saw,” Malcolm teaches you how to look for patterns and draw connections between seemingly disparate ideas.
32x9
Interviewing
Episode overview
The interview is the critical foundation for developing character in nonfiction. Malcolm teaches you how to conduct an interview to uncover what is uniquely interesting about your subject.
32x10
Characters: Descriptions
Episode overview
Malcolm breaks down two pieces of his own writing—one written for The New Yorker and one for a medical journal—to illustrate how he brings a new character to life.
32x11
Characters: World Building
Episode overview
If you could choose to describe a character by the way they look, or by what they keep in their bedroom, Malcolm says to choose the bedroom. Learn how to use the setting and action around a character to build their personality.
32x12
Character Case Study: "The Pitchman"
Episode overview
Malcolm believes that when you reveal story is just as important as what that story is. He explains this idea with an in-depth look at one of his favorite characters, late-night television pitchman Ron Popeil.
32x13
Structuring Language
Episode overview
Learn how Malcolm uses sentence length and punctuation to guide readers through a sophisticated idea.
32x14
Jargon
Episode overview
Using a New Yorker article he wrote about a company testing out a new drug, Malcolm demonstrates how to employ jargon to hook your readers.
32x15
Tone and Voice
Episode overview
Malcolm explains how to calibrate your tone for your readership using examples from his book David and Goliath and his own public speaking Q&As.
32x16
Humor and Melancholy
Episode overview
Malcolm feels that restraint is essential in the production of real emotion. Learn how to introduce humor and melancholy to form deep connections with your readers.
32x17
Case Study: Language and Emotion in "Something Borrowed"
Episode overview
Using his essay “Something Borrowed” as an example, Malcolm demonstrates how to use language and emotion to build a powerful narrative.
32x18
Titles
Episode overview
For Malcolm, a title is the ultimate attention-grabber. Learn how to write powerful titles that will speak to your reader's emotions.
32x19
Drafts and Revisions
Episode overview
Getting a piece of writing to a finished state is a process. Malcolm walks you through his approach, from first draft to final polishing.
32x20
When Your Story Enters the World
Episode overview
Once your story is published, the world will respond. Learn Malcolm’s tips for promoting your work, dealing with critics, and what to do when readers misinterpret your intent.
32x21
Working as a Writer
Episode overview
Learn Malcolm’s advice for aspiring writers, including how to launch and maintain your career as a professional writer.
32x22
How to Read
Episode overview
Malcolm believes that you can’t become a great writer without being a great reader. Learn Malcolm’s strategies for critical reading.
32x23
Who to Read
Episode overview
Malcolm breaks down the strengths of some of his favorite writers: Lee Child, David Epstein, Michael Lewis, and Janet Malcolm.
32x24
Conclusion: A Theory of Other Minds
Episode overview
Malcolm delivers his parting words about the true intent of nonfiction writing.

Characters