Speak Up Storytelling

Matthew and Elysha Dicks

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. read less
ArteArte

Episodios

James Bengiovanni: “Game Show Host”
02-08-2021
James Bengiovanni: “Game Show Host”
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: Authenticity of voiceCapturing secondary characters in meaningful waysRaising the stakesThe art of “the pause”Powers of locationAlternatives to the impulse to play jokes loudlyThe 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) _________________________________________________________ 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
Donna Shubrooks: "Driveway Interview"
16-03-2021
Donna Shubrooks: "Driveway Interview"
On episode #113 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss new content on our Patreon page and upcoming shows and workshops. March 20: "Weddings Behind the Scenes" (7:00 PM EST)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 Homework for Life can help illuminate a story that took years to complete.  Next we listen to a story by Donna Shubrooks.   Amongst the many things we discuss include: Humor strategies in storytelling Dispensing information without leaving the confines of the story  Spooling Openings  Avoiding describing scenes after the fact Next we answer questions about subtle stories and storytelling introductions.   Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: https://www.cookingwithshereen.com Matt: Speck of Dust by Sarah Silverman (Netflix)  _______________________________________________ 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
Cathy Dunn: "Roller Blades"
04-11-2020
Cathy Dunn: "Roller Blades"
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: Ordering of content   The slow reveal Vocabulary choices Strong words that evoke strong emotions 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 TeacherOctopus 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
John DeMeo: "Johnson's Grocery Store"
05-10-2020
John DeMeo: "Johnson's Grocery Store"
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) (virtualOctober 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: The power of nostalgia   Dialogue as description Suspense and secrets Eliminating process language  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
Tracey Segarra: "Waiting for Dad"
18-08-2020
Tracey Segarra: "Waiting for Dad"
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: Stakes  Story structure Effective list building Pacing and pausing 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
Storytelling Workshop Sneak Peak
09-08-2020
Storytelling Workshop Sneak Peak
On episode #102 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, we offer you a special treat: A sneak peak into an actual storytelling workshop.  Join storytellers Anne Purky, Kim Jordan, Connie Atkisson, Ronna Levy, and Brenda Haynes as they participate in a live storytelling workshop with me.  Listen to stories. Listen to feedback. Learn some storytelling tips and tricks along the way.  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) _______________________________________________ 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
Ann Guo: "Waiting for an Answer"
30-07-2020
Ann Guo: "Waiting for an Answer"
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: Temporal transitions  Opening sentences  The power of nostalgia Pacing and pausing 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 _______________________________________________ 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