Speak Up Storytelling

On episode #101 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss upcoming shows and workshops, all online!

STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020

• August 22: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) (virtual)
• September 12: Solo show at MOPCO Improv Theater (8:00 PM) (virtual)
• September 26: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) virtual)
• October 24: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) virtual)
• October 25: Speak Up-Voices of Hope showcase (11:00 AM) (virtual)

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020

• September 12: Storytelling master class at MOPCO Improv Theater (10:00-6:00) (virtual)
• October 30-November 1: Storytelling weekend workshop at Copper Beech Institute (virtual)

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about nearly missing a storyworthy moment by not recognizing the impact it could have on an audience.

Next we listen to a story by Ann Guo.

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Temporal transitions

2. Opening sentences

3. The power of nostalgia

4. Pacing and pausing

5. Vulberability

Next we answer a questions about apps and programs to record stories and Homework for Life.

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• When characters in musicals transition from speaking to singing: http://bit.ly/2kfjzbZ

Matt:

• Ten Lessons From Top Film Editors: https://bit.ly/3gdR31U

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Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling

Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35

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: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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:

1. Stakes

2. Surprise

3. Story arcs

4. Ending a story on the right note

5. 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)

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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: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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:

1. Subtly in storytelling

2. Living your story as you tell it

3. Breaking the rules

4. Define characters throughout a story

5. 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:

• Strawberry rhubarb crumble: https://bit.ly/2Zzu22s

Matt:

• Art as a gift

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Moth GrandSLAM story: "Genetic Flaws" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajU08oQxbDo

"We adopted two cats. Our kids' reaction was... unexpected" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDIF2Nte55A

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: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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:

1. Opening with a clear and vivid scene

2. Lists

3. Breaking the rules

4. Names

5. 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

Elysha:

• Schitt's Creek (television show)

Matt:

• The Twilight Zone (television show)
• "To Serve Man" - https://bit.ly/2Nxubh6

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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: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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:

1. Shifting tones in stories

2. Pausing

3. Explanation reveals with humor

4. The power of the "but"

5. Preserving surprise

Next we answer a questions about our marriage and maintaining curiosity in an audience.

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Fuck the Bread. The Bread is Over - https://bit.ly/3gUQQ4C

Matt:

• The Science of Well Being - https://bit.ly/2MxzCMI

_______________________________________________

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: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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:

1. Scenes and backstory

2. Telling stories that take place over a long period of time chronologically

3. Humor and vulnerability

4. Losing the thread of your story

5. 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.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: https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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:

1. The difficulty telling stories with another person

2. Telling a universally appealing story with content that is less-than-universal

3. Moving through time and physical distance in a story

4. The building of stakes

5. 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 Talk "If there is no cure, can we opt for a rescue?" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRqqRFr5ceQ

_______________________________________________

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: 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 #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:

1. Expressing big ideas in tiny moments

2. Strategies for telling stories from childhood

3. Process language

4. The "less is more" nature of description and details

5. Launching a story with stakes

Next Elysha answers a question about being married to Matt and a question about telling stories when specific moments are seemingly absent from the story.

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Knives Out (film)
• Saturday Night Live At-Home episode (04.11.2020)

Matt:

• John Krasinski's "Some Good News"

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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: 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 #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!

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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: 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 #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:

1. The power of self deprecation

2. Scene setting

3. Humor through vulnerability

4. Connecting the beginning and endings of stories

5. Avoiding process language

Next we answer a question about the beginnings of stories.

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Guardians of the Galaxy Volumes 1 and 2

Matt:

• 5 Mistakes When Writing Flashbacks in Memoir

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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: 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