John Bowe

John Bowe is an American author, journalist, and speech expert whose career encompasses investigative reporting, oral history, screenwriting, and public speaking consultation. Bowe has contributed to The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, GQ, The Nation, McSweeney's, and This American Life. He co-wrote the screenplay for the film "Basquiat" with Julian Schnabel. His work frequently addresses communication, labor, and social issues, focusing on how individuals and groups express themselves and connect.

Bowe is the co-editor of "GIG: Americans Talk About Their Jobs," author of "Nobodies: Modern American Slave Labor and the Dark Side of the New Global Economy," editor of "US: Americans Talk About Love," and author of "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection." "GIG: Americans Talk About Their Jobs" is an oral history inspired by Studs Terkel's Working, presenting 126 interviews that highlight the diversity of the American workforce. The book was excerpted in The New Yorker and recognized by Harvard Business Review as one of the best business books of its year. "Nobodies" was selected by Village Voice as one of the top twenty books of its year. Bowe has received the J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award, the Hillman Prize, the Richard J. Margolis Award, and the Harry Chapin Media Award for his reporting on hunger and poverty.

Bowe's exploration of public speaking began with his own challenges in addressing audiences, despite extensive experience interviewing a wide range of individuals. This personal journey led to "I Have Something to Say: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking in an Age of Disconnection," in which Bowe examines the history of speech training, participates in Toastmasters International, and connects classical rhetoric to contemporary issues such as social isolation and civic disengagement.

As a speech consultant, Bowe applies principles from ancient Greek rhetoric to help individuals and organizations deliver more effective presentations. He has worked with students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives globally, providing guidance on corporate presentations, public speaking, and communication strategies. Bowe has delivered talks at the New York Public Library and the 92nd St. Y in New York City. He contributes to CNBC on topics related to public speaking, and his work has been featured in Harvard Business Review and The New York Times. Bowe has appeared on CNN, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, BBC, and other major media outlets.