Speak Up Storytelling – Details, episodes & analysis

On episode #116  of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss our return to posting new episodes and our upcoming shows and workshops.

• August 18: Speak Up at Hill-Stead Museum (6:00 PM EST)
• August 20-21: Storytelling Workshop (Phoenicia Playhouse, Woodstock, NY)
• August 21: Speak Up at the Phoenicia Playhouse, Woodstock, NY (7:00 PM EST)
• October 23: Speak Up at The Wadsworth Atheneum (7:00 PM EST) Tickets available soon!
• December 4: Speak Up at The Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM EST)

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about finding stories through contrast. 

Next we listen to a story by James Bengiovanni.

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Authenticity of voice
2. Capturing secondary characters in meaningful ways
3. Raising the stakes
4. The art of “the pause”
5. Powers of location
6. Alternatives to the impulse to play jokes loudly
7. The importance of ending in the heart of the storyteller

Next we answer questions about using stories in cover letters and job interviews.

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Crip Camp Documentary (Netflix)

Matt:

• How Walking Can Build Up the Brain by. Gretchen Reynolds (NYTimes)

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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

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 #115 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and special guest Thomas Krafft talk storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss new content on our Patreon page and upcoming shows and workshops.

• April 21: Humor in Storytelling (8:00 PM EST) (4 weeks)
• April 24: "School Days" (7:00 PM EST)
• May 15: Storytelling workshop (beginners) (9:30 AM EST)

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about the way that a simple statement, when given enough thought and consideration, can produce a story.  

Next Matt and Thomas discuss strategies for remembering content for the stage, incluidng:

1. Memorizing versus remembering
2. Strategies for practicing aloud
3. Strategies for recording
4. Active listening
5. The reverse memory palace

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Thomas:

• Geocaching 

Matt:

• Photo rotation
  _______________________________________________

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

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 #110 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, we present the virtual launch of Matt's latest novel, "The Other Mother."

The show features stories, a musical interlude, interviews, and questions. 

"The Other Mother" is now available wherever you get books. 

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Purchase The Other Mother:
https://amzn.to/3guV5Eh

Speak Up Storytelling: http://speakupstorytelling.com

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

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 #109 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more.  

Then Matt breaks down the latest installment of the Wonder Woman franchise, as well as the original Wonder Woman film and Mary Poppins returns, focusing on characterization and the endings.

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Speak Up Storytelling: http://speakupstorytelling.com

The Other Mother Book Launch Extravaganza: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-other-mother-book-launch-extravaganza-tickets-133903722639

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 The Other Mother:
https://amzn.to/3guV5Eh

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 #108 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more.  

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about finding stories in the quietest of places.

Next we listen to a story by Scott Gawlicki. 

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Humor via specificity and nostalgia

2. Opening with a clear scene

3. Defining terms

4. Allowing the audience to get ahead of you

5. A perfect beginning and ending equilibrium

Next we answer a question about storytelling for dating and finding a storytelling community.  

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Prom (Netflix film)

Matt:

• Soul (Disney film)
  
  _______________________________________________

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

Pre-order The Other Mother:
https://amzn.to/3guV5Eh

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 #107 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more.  

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about finding and crafting stories from the past.  

Next we listen to a story by David Golder. 

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Humor  

2. Effective use of lists

3. Just enough detail

4. Maximizing surprise

5. The strength behind vulnerability

Next we answer a question about using stories in bios.  

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Toaster Pets

Matt:

• 52 Things I Learned in 2020 by Tom Whitwell
  
  _______________________________________________

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

Pre-order The Other Mother:
https://amzn.to/3guV5Eh

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 #106 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss copyright and upcoming shows, workshops, and more.  

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about taking advantage of historical moments in time to craft stories. 

Next we listen to a story by Emily Apter. 

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Oral storytelling vs. essay  

2. Effective use of lists

3. The power of contrast

4. Pacing

5. Opening lines

Next we answer questions about a possible possible on marriage and breaking the storytelling rules.  

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Emma marathon

Matt:

• The Story Collider's recent COVID-19 series
  
  _______________________________________________

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

Pre-order The Other Mother:
https://amzn.to/3guV5Eh

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 #105 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss Elysha's recent brush with COVID-19 and our upcoming shows. 

STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020

• November 21: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" at Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) (virtual)

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about seeking surprise and contrast when finding stories in our lives and allowing seemingly small moments to possibly find legs. 

Next we listen to a story by Cathy Dunn. 

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Ordering of content  

2. The slow reveal

3. Vocabulary choices

4. Strong words that evoke strong emotions

5. Capturing key scenes second by second

Next we answer a questions about ex-girlfriend stories and layering in storytelling to business presentations. 

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• My Octopus Teacher
• Octopus Dreaming on PBS

Matt:

• The Incredible Story of the Great Cannonball Boom
  
  _______________________________________________

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 #104 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss our absence, talk about upcoming shows, Speak Up merchandise, and workshops, all online!

STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020

• October 24: "Struggle and Survival" at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) (virtual
• October 25: Speak Up-Voices of Hope showcase (2:00 PM) (virtual)
• November 21: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" at Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) (virtual)

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020

• October 30-November 1: Storytelling weekend workshop at Copper Beech Institute (virtual)

In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about seeking contrast when finding stories in our lives. 

Next we listen to a story by John DeMeo. 

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. The power of nostalgia  

2. Dialogue as description

3. Suspense and secrets

4. Eliminating process language 

5. Reframing stories depending on time and goals

Next we answer a questions about living with Matt and the structure of children's books. 

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Polyphonic on YouTube

Matt:

• Dan Kennedy Solves Your Problems With Storytelling

_______________________________________________

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 #103 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

In our follow up segment, we discuss upcoming shows, Speak Up merchandise, 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 finding metaphors in his Homework for Life and how they can become stories. 

Next we listen to a story by Tracey Segarra.

Amongst the many things we discuss include:

1. Stakes 

2. Story structure

3. Effective list building

4. Pacing and pausing

5. Surprise

Next we answer a questions about performing online and college essays. 

Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

RECOMMEDATIONS

Elysha:

• Watchman on HBO

Matt:

• Story Jam: https://www.storyjamshow.com

_______________________________________________

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