On episode #54 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we shout out the kindness of several readers of Storyworthy, talk about the concept of 1,000 true fans, read a listener email about a full year of Homework for Life, and offer some opinions on the final episodes of Game of Thrones.  

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019

• July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society
• July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society
• August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA
• October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC
• October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
• December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019

• August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company
• August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA
• September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about how a storyworthy moment can be told in more than one way, so part of the challenge of storytelling is choosing which way to craft and tell a story, and thereby where that story should begin. 

Next we listen to a story by Cari Ryding. 

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Hanging a story on a great opening line 

2. The importance of choosing useful context and backstory

3. Avoiding throwaway details 

4. Making the important moments in your life also important when an audience hears them for the first time

5. Time manipulation

6. Names

7. Alternative endings

8. Avoiding phrases that assert the veracity of your story

We then answer listener questions about properly introducing stories to friends, policies involving bringing professional storytellers to Speak Up, and expanding your stories into a variety of mediums.

Finally, we each offer a recommendation.  

LINKS

Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling

Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love 

1,000 True Fans: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans

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: 

• Chuck

Matt:

• Exploding Kittens

Bonus recommendations:

• Matthew Inman's The Oatmeal

• Sorry