Speak Up Storytelling

Ted Zablotsky, a compelling storyteller, shares his poignant narrative, 'A Salad and Three Dinner Rolls,' reflecting on his return to his father's hometown decades after the Holocaust. He emphasizes the importance of telling stories through personal lenses, capturing moments that provoke deep questions. The conversation also highlights the artistry of crafting scenes, the power of a subtle conclusion, and remaining present in storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the dual nature of humor and grief as they navigate their own narratives.

Tom Ouimet is a former workplace health and safety professional and a Moth Story Slam winner, now diving into the world of storytelling. He shares an entertaining narrative about a secret in his pants that captivates listeners. The discussion highlights the art of storytelling, emphasizing the use of pauses to enhance humor and how the escalation of stakes can elevate a tale. The hosts also explore the importance of authenticity in storytelling, showcasing how personal failures can create relatable and impactful narratives.

Guest John Smith-Horn shares a story about making cookies, discussing components of a perfect beginning, vocal modulation, storytelling perspectives, and revealing secrets. Also, tips on finding themes in stories and embracing distractions for storytelling material.

Explore the highs and lows of parenting intertwined with the art of storytelling. Discover the excitement behind the upcoming book, '21 Truths About Love,' and hear personal anecdotes that reveal the humor in life’s awkward moments. Delve into a transformative journey following a genetic diagnosis that teaches appreciation for fleeting experiences. Learn about balancing humor with deeper emotions in storytelling, and hear a gripping account of resilience in the face of false accusation. Each story illuminates life's complexities and the power of narrative.

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.

Steve Brouse, an elementary school teacher and passionate storyteller, takes listeners on a journey through the art of storytelling. He shares personal anecdotes, including a pivotal missed phone call that changed his life. The conversation dives into the significance of 'Homework for Life' as a tool for reflection and connection with children. Brouse emphasizes the balance of humor and emotion in storytelling while highlighting how sharing experiences can deepen relationships. Tips for engaging young storytellers round out this compelling discussion.

Maire Green, a retired nurse and former schoolteacher with a passion for volunteering, shares her poignant yet humorous experiences while grave shopping for her family. She navigates the emotional landscape of recent losses, mixing light-hearted anecdotes with deeper reflections on mortality and family connections. The conversation touches on the art of storytelling, including the importance of subtlety, audience engagement, and crafting narratives that weave together laughter and heartfelt moments.

Ophira Eisenberg, a comedian, storyteller, and author, brings zest to the discussion with her unique insights on storytelling. She shares a captivating tale about a mysterious box in her closet, weaving in humor and emotion. The hosts delve into the art of effective pacing and the importance of specificity in storytelling. They reflect on the power of connection through personal narratives, highlighting the transformative nature of stories in everyday life. Listeners gain valuable tips on how to structure their own tales, ensuring they resonate deeply with their audience.

On episode #34 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we hear from a listener who hosted an evening of stories at this home with great success. We also resume our debate about jokes within a story.  In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about the process of taking a single moment from the week and crafting out the skeleton of a story, including the importance of recognizing, protecting, and enhancing any surprises contained therein.    Next we listen to Chion Wolf's story about the biggest job interview of her life.   After listening, we discuss: Effective transitions of time and space Telling stories in vivid, easily imagined scenes The power of effective inner dialogue The preservation and enhancement of surprise Effective ways of speaking highly of yourself Next, we answer a question about ending a story early and leaving the audience hanging on unspoken, final details of a story.  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 This Is Going to Suck RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Terry Gross -Earlonne Woods interview Terry Gross - Marc Maron Matt: Technology, Ranked

Join Bobbi Klau, a vibrant storyteller, singer, dancer, and actor, as she shares her unique gift-giving experiences. She reflects on the complexities of finding the perfect present within her long-lasting marriage, blending humor with heartfelt emotion. The discussion dives into storytelling techniques, including the balance of humor and authenticity, how to strategically place jokes, and the impact of a genuine narrative on audiences. Klau's insights illuminate the significant moments that shape our relationships and the art of storytelling itself.