Speak Up Storytelling

Aaron Wolfe, a writer and storyteller from Boston, shares his unforgettable honeymoon adventures in Brazil. He humorously contrasts his desire for comfort with his partner's zest for adventure, leading to chaotic experiences and delightful surprises. Listeners will enjoy tales of unexpected encounters and their comical samba class, all highlighting the dynamics of their relationship. Wolfe also dives into storytelling techniques, discussing the importance of humor, timing, and presentation to engage audiences effectively.

Rachel Leventhal-Weiner, a sociologist and writing advocate, and Beverly Brakeman, a devoted labor leader, share their personal storytelling insights. They discuss the importance of engaging openings that spark imagination and the power of brevity in emotional storytelling. The duo also explores approaching sensitive topics with care and offers constructive advice on storytelling critiques, character naming, and trigger warnings. With humor and authenticity, they highlight community connections and the transformative nature of sharing personal narratives.

Amanda Coletti, a first-year PhD student in communications, shares her personal journey through the challenges and joys of graduate school, adding a touch of humor and vulnerability. Jack Bourque, a recently retired recruiter, recounts his holiday sales struggles, highlighting the pressures of financial responsibilities during Christmas. They both discuss the art of storytelling, touching on effective techniques like creating engaging opening scenes, using humor, and the importance of making stories resonate on a deeper level.

Ted Olds joins the discussion as a 16-time Moth StorySLAM champion and patent attorney who brings his storytelling prowess to life. He recounts a high-stakes fourth-grade multiplication contest, highlighting the art of escalating tension in narratives. The talk delves into the importance of brevity and staying 'in the moment' in storytelling. Listeners also explore how to create stories that resonate on a deeper level, moving beyond mere description to convey meaningful insights.

Kat Koppett, an improv artist and communication consultant, shares her unique journey of transforming a historic firehouse into an improv theater, revealing challenges like dealing with its quirky architecture and rich past. She discusses the importance of embracing weirdness in storytelling and the power of contrasting elements. Koppett's tale weaves in humor with unexpected moments, including a stripper pole and an Obama impersonator, highlighting how surprise and clarity can elevate narrative depth.

Discover the humorous mishaps of car rentals, including a story about an expired driver's license that challenges traditional masculinity. Dive into the anticipation for the upcoming novel, '21 Truths About Love,' and explore the art of storytelling, focusing on effective beginnings and surprise elements. Learn about balancing a busy teaching career with writing, as well as listener success stories regarding personal reflections. This episode highlights the transformative power of storytelling through personal anecdotes and practical insights.

On episode #46 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we offer a further correction on a previous episode and read a couple emails from listeners about a new baby boy and a recent 100 day Homework for Life champion.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: April 27: "Put Me in Coach: Stories of Athletic Endeavors” at CHS May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how multiple moments from Homework for Life can be combined into a great story, and how gravity and weight can be added to an anecdote to make something that might seem light and amusing far more meaningful. Next we listen to Corey Jeffrey's story about a trip to Mexico, a hole in a door, and the Backstreet Boys.  After listening, we discuss: The way a moment from the past and the present are fused together to create a deeply meaningful story Portals to the past and present Avoid stakes that fail to pay off Slowing down the action at the appropriate time in a story The importance of scenes (and physical locations) in storytelling Efficiency of language  The clever and unexpected use of an expletive  Next, we answer questions about vulnerability and living with Matt. Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling 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 Who Really Said "You Should Kill Your Darlings?" STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 May 4: Storytelling workshop (beginner), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginner), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Jon Snow Emails 23andMe About His DNA Results What's Gaby Cooking? Matt: Jeff Bezos Banned PowerPoint in Meetings. Its Replacement Is Brilliant. 

Jeffrey Freiser, a recently retired nonprofit professional turned local politician in Connecticut, shares his insights into the art of storytelling. He recounts a memorable first date, blending humor with heartfelt moments. The discussion delves into how humor enhances storytelling, the importance of pacing and momentum, and the impact of telling stories in scenes to spark imagination. The hosts also reflect on storytelling's role in building connections and explore the delightful complexities of love and commitment through personal anecdotes.

Sarasweet Rabidoux Kelsey, a talented storyteller and founder of the modern dance company Hoi Palloi, shares a captivating prom story that's full of awkward nostalgia. The discussion dives into the essence of subtlety in storytelling and the power of great opening lines. They explore how just a few carefully chosen words can convey deep emotional connections. Kelsey and the hosts also debate the appropriate use of pop culture references and strategies for making personal stories resonate with audiences while keeping them concise and impactful.

Matthew Dicks shares the magic of storytelling by highlighting the best ways to start and end a narrative. He dives into a personal tale about a late-night walk, illustrating the importance of pacing and volume during delivery. The discussion also covers everyday stories and how simple moments can transform into powerful narratives. Listeners are encouraged to find inspiration in their own experiences and to share authentic tales from their lives, proving that great stories can emerge from the ordinary.