Lauren Doninger: "The Expert"

13 snips

Feb 25, 2019

In this engaging conversation, Lauren Doninger, a professor of psychology and addiction science, shares her heartfelt story of advocating for her son, Everett, who has cystic fibrosis. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication with medical staff and the profound bond between parent and child during health challenges. The hosts discuss effective storytelling techniques, such as weaving in details and using humor to create relatable narratives, and reflect on how to transform negative experiences into positive lessons. Lauren's journey is both inspiring and emotionally resonant.

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ANECDOTE

Lauren's Story of Fight and Fear

Lauren Donninger tells a story about her son's serious illness and her struggle to be heard by medical staff.
The story reveals the emotional toll and miscommunication between patient families and healthcare providers.

INSIGHT

Weave Details Seamlessly

Lauren skillfully drips character and plot details throughout her story rather than front-loading them.
Integrating character details with story elements makes the narrative feel natural and engaging.

INSIGHT

Masterful Summarizing and Suspense

Summarizing within a story can be done efficiently by hinting at information rather than fully restating it.
Allowing a moment to unfold in real time can enhance the impact of a surprise or revelation.

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On episode #38 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling.

In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming shows and workshops and offer a shout-out to a listener who we recently met IRL!

In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about four entries in Matt's Homework for Life, and how when combined, they can tell a complete story. We also talk about the value of saying things that other may think but not often speak aloud, and how even when presenting yourself in a less-than-positive light, a storyteller can get an audience on their side.

Next we listen to Lauren Doninger's story about her son's illness and her fight to be heard.

After listening, we discuss:

The weaving of details throughout a story rather than piling them at the top
Connecting character details to plot points to allow them to feel seamlessly integrated into the story
Effective ways of teaching our audience about content needed to understand our stories (without bringing the story to a halt)
Effective summarizing within a story
Revealing information (and a surprise) by remaining in the moment
Activating imagination at the top of a story
Injecting humor into the beginning of a story
Identifying and fully developing critical scenes in a story

Next, we answer questions about titling stories and turning a negative moment into a positive moment.

Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

LINKS

Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up

Speak Up at Space Ballroom on March 3: Exposed: Lies, Secrets, and Indiscretions Revealed

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

May 4: Storytelling workshop (beginner), CT Historical Society May 18: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society June 1: Storytelling workshop (master class), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 25-27: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

Westworld on HBO

Matt:

Maeve in America by Maeve Higgins