Speak Up Storytelling

On episode #100 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling alongside their kids, Clara and Charlie!  In our follow up segment, we thank our listeners for their many kind messages about their 100th episode.  In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about moments that are invisible to the outside world but momentous to in the mind of the storyteller.     Next we listen to a stories by the whole family! Amongst the many things we discuss include: Stakes Surprise  Story arcs Ending a story on the right note The value of improv  Next we answer a questions about Homework for Life.  Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: The Babysitter's Club (Netflix) Matt: The Twilight Zone (Netflix) _______________________________________________ Greetings Little One: https://greetingslittleone.typepad.com Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persua

On episode #99 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss firehouse and stripper poles as well as upcoming shows and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 July 11: Solo show at MOPCO Improv Theater (7:30 PM) (virtual) STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 July 11: Advanced storytelling workshop in partnership with MOPCO Improv Theater (11:00-6:00 PM) (virtual) In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about moments that have more than one beat, and how the smaller side of a large moment often makes for the best story.    Next we listen to a story by Katie Field. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Subtly in storytelling Living your story as you tell it  Breaking the rules Define characters throughout a story Centering thoughts in scenes Next we answer a questions about The Moth StorySLAM community and Elysha's view on Matt's storytelling.  Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Straw

On episode #98 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share emails from listeners and discuss our first Speak Up virtual show. We also discuss upcoming shows and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 July 11: Solo show at MOPCO Improv Theater (7:30 PM) (virtual) October 17: Speak Up at The Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 July 11: Advanced storytelling workshop in partnership with MOPCO Improv Theater (11:00-6:00 PM) (virtual) In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about a moment that happened just prior to the recording and how to handle it.   Next we listen to a story by Kat Koppett. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Opening with a clear and vivid scene Lists  Breaking the rules Names Preserving surprise Next we answer a questions about Hannah Gadsy's comedy special "Nanette" and revealing secrets in stories.  Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elys

On episode #97 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss the events taking place in our country right now and how we hope to begin moving in the right direction. We also discuss upcoming shows and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 June 20: "Stories from Around the World" at the Connecticut Historical Society (virtual) July 11: Solo show at MOPCO Improv Theater (7:30 PM) (virtual)  October 17: Speak Up at The Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 June 15, 22, 29, and July 6, 13, and 20: Advanced storytelling workshop (8:00-9:30 PM EST) (virtual) July 11: Master class in partnership with MOPCO Improv Theater (9:30-4:30 PM) (virtual) July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about the power of contrast when trying to turn a moment into a story.   Next we listen to a story by Roszena Haskins. Amongst the many things we discuss include: S

On episode #96 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss our absence for the last couple weeks, share emails from listeners around the world, and describe upcoming events.   In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about identifying and crafting seemingly tiny moments into stories.  Next we listen to a story by Kim Damokosh. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Scenes and backstory Telling stories that take place over a long period of time chronologically Humor and vulnerability Losing the thread of your story Topic sentences and thesis statements Next we answer a question about hero stories Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: 13 Ways to Look at a Blackbird: https://bit.ly/2AyZW6e Birdhouse: https://amzn.to/2ZewDjE Matt: Journals by Kurt Cobain: https://amzn.to/2LBo8XY _______________________________________________ Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.

On episode #95 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss recent and future virtual shows, brand new Patreon content, and more. We also share listener insight on virtual meetings and performances.  In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about turning a crazy and amusing story into something more meaningful and profound by bringing two ideas together.  Next we listen to a story by Ron and Marcus Apter. Amongst the many things we discuss include: The difficulty telling stories with another person Telling a universally appealing story with content that is less-than-universal Moving through time and physical distance in a story The building of stakes Keeping the audience guessing all the way until the end Next we answer a question about the considerations required when telling stories to children.    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: HBO's Bad Education Matt: Peter Aguero and Sara Peters TED

On episode #94 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share a listener's tip on digital whiteboards and discuss upcoming online events.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 April 18: Solo show, MOPCO Improv Theater STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, and 27: Advanced storytelling workshop  July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about working through a moment, seeking as many possible meanings as possible before settling on a story.  Next we listen to a story by Lisa Ferguson. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Expressing big ideas in tiny moments Strategies for telling stories from childhood Process language  The "less is more" nature of description and details Launching a story with stakes Next Elysha answers a question about being married to Matt and a question about telling stories

On episode #93 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks offers strategies and insights into effective communication and performance on video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meets, and the like.  Consider this a bonus episode for those listeners who have found themselves transitioning to online platforms as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Stay safe and well, friends! _______________________________________________ Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling 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

On episode #92 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we debut our first bot of content on our Patreon page , announce online workshops and shows, and a weekly free storytelling workshop for families on Facebook Live and YouTube.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 April 18: Solo show, MOPCO Improv Theater STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, and 27: Advanced storytelling workshop July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about combining two moments from your Homework for Life into a single story, as well as being open to the idea that you might still be in the midst of a story. Next we listen to a story by Monica Malaver. Amongst the many things we discuss include: The power of self deprecation Scene setting Humor through vulnerability Connecting the beginning and endings of stories Avoiding process l

On episode #91 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we congratulate listeners on their new baby! We also launch our Patreon campaign, announce an upcoming virtual storytelling workshop and solo show, and a weekly free storytelling workshop for kids on Facebook Live and YouTube.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 April 18: Solo show, MOPCO Improv Theater STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about looking for moments of contrast in our lives and exploiting them for their storytelling potential.  Next we listen to a story by Tom Moore. Amongst the many things we discuss include: The power of self deprecation Scene setting Delivering powerful messages via humorous stories Connecting the beginning and endings of stories Considering the specificity of your audience when telling a story Next

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 abou

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

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

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 His

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 in

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.

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 sto