About
I'M GAIL THOMAS, YOUR STORYTELLING COACH
As your storytelling coach, I’ll tap into my unique background as an actor, writer, comic, lawyer, speechwriter, and content marketer to help you (or your business) speak your truth. I’ve approached this craft from every angle. It’s life changing.
My Story (well, one of them)
Growing up in Oklahoma, I was a theater kid. But acting wasn’t practical, so I went to law school. My first job out was as a corporate lawyer with a NY law firm, where no one made eye contact. Not the right fit. I tried not to smile for fear they would think I wasn’t working hard enough.
So, I became an improv comic/standup, an actor, and a storyteller. Eventually, my worlds merged. Now, as a storytelling coach, I help people to communicate using narrative tools to focus and relate to their audience. I love that workplace values and communication are evolving to reflect humanity: empathy, inclusion, and balance.
As a performer, I’ve been on stage thousands of times — connecting with live audiences through emotion, character, and story. I’ve played Rosalind in Washington Square Park, a singing angel in Stonewall (an Off-Broadway show), and done stand-up in comedy clubs in NYC and LA. You may have heard my voice in shows like Beavis and Butthead, Angelo Rules, and countless movies, radio, and TV commercials.
I’ve learned the craft of storytelling by doing it — as a performer, a speechwriter, and a content marketer.
As a speechwriter, I’ve written for executives and Oscar winners (like Martin Scorsese); and for world-class events including the Tribeca Film Festival, the Gotham Awards, the Fifis, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles. As a content marketer, I’ve interviewed leaders in education, tech, health & wellness, and management, helping them to share their insights in live presentations, blogs, and other digital content.
Both sides of my brain are fully loaded. When working with a client, I tap into over thirty years of experience as a writer, coach, and performer. I’m constantly learning. One thing I know for sure: storytelling is transformational, fun, and always practical.
Gail performing at the Moth Grandslam NYC
Feedback & Reviews
“She was my first storytelling instructor and I loved her so much that I continued learning with her. She has a very pedagogical approach that helps you to seamlessly acquire the basics of storytelling.“
David Alfaro Serrano
Associate Cornerstone Research
“Gail Thomas is a masterful teacher. She is smart, sensitive, open-minded and inspiring. I learned more in two days with Gail that I have in entire semesters. Highly recommend it. If you want to become a better storyteller, do yourself a favor and put yourself in her able hands. She will give you the tools and the courage you need.”
Jonathan Papernick
Author of The Book of Stone
“I highly recommend Gail Thomas multi talented writing abilities, offering her expert skills to our organization, benefiting our website content, a storytelling workshop and personal coaching. Versatility is one of her strong suits, as well as the ability to focus on meaningful heartfelt stories that move people emotionally.“
Liz London
Founder, Causability
MY COACHING PHILOSOPHY
I’ve worked with young people and corporate executives, recent immigrants and celebrities, moms and lawyers. I’ve helped introverts and extroverts to find and share their own unique voices. We start where you are to grow to places you haven’t yet imagined.
The discovery process can be exhilarating! As you craft your story, you’ll focus, tap into new insights. You’ll become more observant and a better listener. As you share your stories, you’ll make more authentic connections — personally and professionally. Whatever your goal, together we will find a story that matters to you and your audience.
Package Offers
LEADERSHIP
Lead with Story – Private, 1:1 coaching for executives, founders, those looking to fine tune their communication skills. Stories help leaders to focus, define, and articulate branding and mission to teams. Fine tune the origin story, show value in action to inspire others. Timing is customized depending on goals. Generally 2-6 sessions.
EMPOWERMENT
Grow with Story – Group workshops are transformative, as participants learn to tell business stories together. Use stories for team building, training, marketing while fostering message alignment and empathy between departments. It’s an excellent followup to the Leadership package. Customized workshops are typically 90 minutes to 5 hours.
ADVOCACY
Persuade with Story – Private, 1:1 coaching for lawyers, activists, customer facing team members. Learn to add authenticity and power to your conversations, presentations or opening arguments. Use story to make your message more credible and convincing.
Ready to get started?
Contact me today to see if my services are a good fit for you!
