Speak Up Storytelling

On episode #90 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss the importance of storytelling and self-care in the time of this pandemic. We also read some listeners' emails and discuss events and workshops moving forward.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about taking a small moment with my son and building it into a much larger, more personally significant and vulnerable story.  Next we listen to a story by Ellen Feldman Ornato. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Defining the landscape of the story Universal appeal in unique moments Scene setting through repetition Restructuring stories to increase stakes Pacing Next we answer a question about crafting stories.   Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Read Brightly: https://www.readbrightly.com/ Matt: Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/homepage LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #89 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks tries something new. He crafts a brand new story on the spot - something he does in workshops but never before on the podcast. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #88 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, I play three of my stories (chosen for a specific reason) with some commentary about the crafting of each.  After listening, I discuss: The variety of chronological formats available to storytellers When to choose a specific chronological format for a story The strategies used to preserve and enhance surprise in a story LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #87 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story "Holding On By a Thread" in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics.  This episode is dedicated to Elysha's grandmother, Nana, who passed away on Sunday.  Rest in peace, Nana. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #86 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss listener comments and upcoming events.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company April 4: “Pity the Fool: Stories of Fools and Foolishness” at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT April 5: Voices of Hope storytelling showcase, Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT April 18: A Night of Storytelling with Matthew Dicks, MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about how contrast can often serve as an effective engine for storytelling.  Next we listen to a story by Talia Pollock.   Amongst the many things we discuss include: Humor The raising of stakes throughout a story Allowing important moments to linger  Strategic characterizations of characters Bending stories to fit the needs of the speaker Next we answer a question about the cost of living a certain kind of life.    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Cheer on Netflix Matt: Calling for help in grocery stores LINKS Pre-order Party in my Plants: https://partyinmyplants.com/the-book/ Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #85 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss some Homework for Life feedback from listeners and clients, talk about our new Patreon account, and share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company April 4: “Pity the Fool: Stories of Fools and Foolishness” at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT April 5: Voices of Hope storytelling showcase, Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about a moment on my spreadsheet that did not require human interaction, and then I outline the story for the audience.  Next we listen to a story by Lael Lloyd.   Amongst the many things we discuss include: Pacing Holding back information to propel a story forward Painting a clear picture in the audience's mind by using fewer words. Transition that cut into scenes Specificity and clarity at the end of stories Next we answer questions about Elysha's favorite story and how to record anecdotes for future use.   Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Octopus Dreaming: http://bit.ly/2UIuWJ1 Matt: TED: How to Tell a Story: http://bit.ly/2UFgFNo LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #84 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story "Turtle" in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics.  LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #83 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 8: “Storytelling for Students” at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 1: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about using First Last Best Worst as a part of our Homework for Life search for stories.  Next we listen to a story by Ana Guo.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: Excellent opening sentences Delivering the story as if you are re-living the story The avoidance of process language Educating the audience while illustrating aspects of yourself Clearing up unnecessary mysteries Next we answer a question from a listener about Lady Gaga's Speech on Sexual Assault and Mental Health.  Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Hair Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNw8V_Fkw28 Matt: Deleted episodes of The Office (available on YouTube) LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #82 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm and thank listeners for some unexpected kindness. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 8: “Storytelling for Students” at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 1: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about the power of anecdotes and illustrate how they can be just as useful as finding stories in your Homework for Life entries.  Next we listen to a story by John Smith-Horn.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: Excellent opening sentences. Delivering the story as if you are re-living the story The right moment to spoil a surprise Suspense through anticipation The curse of knowledge Next we answer a question from a listener about The Moth.  Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Read Brightly: https://www.readbrightly.com Matt: Lady Gaga's Emotional Speech on Surviving Sexual Assault and Mental Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14KX7xOJsqE LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

On episode #81 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm and update you on the condition of Nana! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 8: “Storytelling for Students” at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 1: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about strategies that storytellers can use to cause an audience to experience emotions similar to the emotions the storyteller experienced within the story.  Next we listen to a story by John Devan Sandiford. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Excellent opening sentences. Delivery as a key element to humor Identifying race without identifying skin color Allowing scenes to unfold for the audience like they unfolded for the storyteller Avoiding sentences that telegraph the next moment  Next we answer questions from listeners about visions in storytelling and the use of thesis statements when preparing to craft a story.  Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Little Women (film) How Greta Gerwig Built Her Little Women: https://nyti.ms/30vgVQ5 Does the Academy Think Little Women Directed Itself? http://bit.ly/30jj3di Matt: Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics: https://amzn.to/3a4nX2x LINKS Coming to terms with being an imperfect dad: https://wapo.st/2NsNxo5 Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/35Mz1xS  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  Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it