Speak Up Storytelling

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**Speak Up Storytelling**

Learn to tell better stories from the producers of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization. Bestselling author, 53-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and 7-time GrandSLAM champion Matthew Dicks partners with his wife, Elysha Dicks, to share stories recorded from years of Speak Up shows. More importantly, they offer tips, feedback, strategies, and advice on these stories, all in an effort to help you tell your best stories.

Latest Episodes:

Aaron Wolf: "Dangerous Honeymoon" Jun 03, 2019

Show notes

On episode #52 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we shout out several dedicated listeners and discuss the benefits of dot journaling.

ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS:

June 8: "Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors" at Infinity Hall
August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company
August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA
October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC
October 25-27: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society
October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC
October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginner), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath
December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about how a small moment in the present can often be connected to a similar moment from the past, thus producing an excellent story.

Next we listen to a story by Aaron Wolfe.

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

The power of contrast in storytelling
Using humor seamlessly and purposefully in a story
Timing
Small endings
The use of accents in a story
An interesting way tp present previous events in a story

We then answer listener questions about titling stories, living with a storyteller, and strategies for making room for stories when you're not standing on a stage.

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

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

Let's Hear It For the Average Child

Matt:

Casey Kasem's blooper reel

Live Episode: Part 2 May 27, 2019

Show notes

On episode #51 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling and celebrate our one year anniversary with the second half of our live episode!

In our followup segment,

ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: June 8: "Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors" at Infinity Hall August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Next we listen to stories by Rachel Leventhal-Weiner and Beverly Brakeman.

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

Opening scenes that activate imagination
Making a story more about yourself
The power of brevity
Approaching emotional topics from varying angles
The advantages of keeping your story "in the moment"

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about stealing a Homework for Life moment from Elysha, and he talks about how it might be turned into a story.

We then answer listener questions about critiquing stories while remaining positive, naming characters in storytelling, trigger warnings, and more.

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

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society
October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC
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:

Dicks Family Ice Cream Adventures

Matt:

Paragone: An Ancient Tactic for Getting the Most From People

Live Episode: Part 1 May 20, 2019

Show notes

On episode #50 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling and celebrate our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN OUR FIRST LIVE EPISODE!

In our followup segment, we hear from our friends in Australia, who are attending the show virtually! We also hear from a listener who suggests a way of using Facebook to expand your Homework for Life and from another who makes an interesting comparison between listening to music and listening to stories.

Next we listen to stories by Amanda Coletti and Jack Bourque.

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

Opening scenes that activate imagination
Avoiding clumping
Strategies for humor in storytelling
The advantages of keeping your story "in the moment"
Making your story about something bigger than the story itself
The power of vulnerability

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt tells a brand new story crafted from a recent Homework for Life moment shared on the podcast.

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

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society
October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC
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:

Decoder Ring

Matt:

Information Is Beautiful

Ted Olds: "High Stakes Multiplication" May 13, 2019

Show notes

On episode #49 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we hear from a linguist who tries to get Matt out of hot water and we learn about a new and unique way of recording Homework for Life.

ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: 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 to dig deeper into story ideas to allow an otherwise surface level story say more.

Next we listen to Ted Old's high stakes story about a fourth grade multipliciation contest.

After listening, we discuss:

The escalation of stakes
Brevity in storytelling
Choosing when and what to describe
The advantages of keeping your story "in the moment"
The disadvantages of adjectives
Making your story about something bigger than the story itself

Next, we answer questions about our future employment options and Moth StorySLAM advice.

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

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

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:

Trip or Vacation: A Helpful Guide for Parents

Matt:

Save the Cat: The Last Book on Storytelling that You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder

Kat Koppett: Big Decision May 06, 2019

Show notes

On episode #48 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we hear from listeners who are using Homework for Life in new and interesting ways.

In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how identifying your own personal weirdness and asking yourself, "Why do you do the things that you do?" can often lead to new storytelling ideas.

Next we listen to Kat Koppett's story about a big decision involving a stripper pole, a broken popcorn popper, and an Obama impersonator.

After listening, we discuss:

The power of contrast in storytelling
The pros and cons of constantly dissecting stories
The advantages of clearly defined stakes
Being in the moment during the telling of a story
The BAbC and CABC formats of storytelling
How changing the order of information being presented can really make or break a scene

Next, we answer questions about privacy issues in storytelling and what makes a great host.

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

Dare To Be Human: https://www.daretobehumanpodcast.com

MOPCO Improv Theater: https://www.mopco.org

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

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:

Adam Sandler's Chris Farley song

Matt:

3 Brilliant Moments from The Battle of the Bastards

Matthew Dicks: "I Am Not a Man" Apr 29, 2019

Show notes

On episode #47 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we pass on some advice about computer screens from a listener and an unexpected benefit of Homework for Life from another. Then we solicit some suggestions and advice on publicizing my next novel, Twenty-one Truths About Love.

UPCOMING SHOWS 2019

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

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

Then Elysha departs and we listen to my story about trying to rent a car to Boca Raton with an expired driver's license.

After listening, I discuss:

A variety of strategies for shortening and elongating stories
Effective places to begin stories
Dealing with facts too good to be true
Reasons to break my own rules
Identifying and enhancing surprise

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

Corey Jeffreys: "Backstreet Boys to the Rescue" Apr 22, 2019

Show notes

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

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

Matt:

Jeff Bezos Banned PowerPoint in Meetings. Its Replacement Is Brilliant.

Jeffrey Freiser: "The Plug Puller" Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

On episode #45 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we offer some corrections on previous episodes and read an email from a recent 100 day Homework for Life champion.

ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS:

In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how a moment that might be embarrassing or small in the minds of some can become a fully realized story when you allow for introspection and the ask yourself this simple question: "Why do you do the things that you do?

Next we listen to Jeffrey Freiser's story about a first date and the ensuing adventure.

After listening, we discuss:

The unusual role that humor plays in this story
The way that different brands of humor achieve different results
Telling a story in scenes in order to activate imagination
Opportunities for misdirection
Momentum

Next, we answer questions about finding the endings of stories and the joyous but sometimes problematic response that people often have to our stories.

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

STORIES ABOUT LITTLE THINGS THAT SAY A LOT

Jeff Simmermon's "Subway Moment" Adam Wade's "Hoboken Roast Beef Story" Alfonso Lacayo's "The Bad Haircut"

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

Matt:

Anatomy of a New Yorker Cartoon

Sarasweet Rabidoux Kelsey: "The Prom" Apr 08, 2019

Show notes

On episode #44 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we introduce the "new" new cover of my next novel, discuss a bizarre coincidence, respond to a heartwarming email from a listener, and ask listeners for feedback on a reward for Homework for Life champions.

ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS:

April 14: "Voices of Hope" at the Mandell JJ, West Hartford, CT 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 a simple sentence or two - when the words touch your heart- can be enough to tell a great story.

Next we listen to Sarasweet Rabidoux Kelsey's story about an unfortunate prom encounter.

After listening, we discuss:

Subtlety in storytelling
The power of nostalgia
Great opening lines
The connective tissue of great storytelling
When it's okay to reference pop culture and when it's not
Saying just enough to serve the story

Next, we answer questions about shortening the length of stories and competing in storytelling competitions against "big stories.

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

Heloise and the Savoir Faire

Matt Stone and Trey Parker on But and Therefore

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:

Matt:

'Close' Proximity, 'End' Result, and More Redundant Words to Delete From Your Writing

Matthew Dicks: "Late Night Walk" Apr 01, 2019

Show notes

On episode #43 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our followup segment, we talk about a moment on a Moth GrandSLAM stage and a moment in a classroom that unearth two potential stories.

ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS:

Then Elysha departs, and we listen to Matthew Dicks's story about an unusual late night walk with a friend.

After listening, we discuss:

The best place and most effective way of beginning a story
The importance of beginning and ending a story well
Choosing appropriate backstory and the most effective way of presenting it in a story
Strategies for preserving surprise in a story
Volume and pacing during a performance

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

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

May 4: Storytelling workshop (beginner), 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