On episode #27 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling alongside storyteller Kathy Binder.  In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up events, respond to listener comments, and offer another shout-out to our fans down under.  Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about a single word (spoken on episode #26 of this podcast) can amount to a Homework for Life moment, and how that might be used in a story (including how to frame the story) Next we listen to Kathy Binder's story about breaking down on the Taconic Parkway on a frigid, winter night with a newborn.  After listening, we discuss: The effective use of humor in storytelling The beauty if a story's imperfection Coincidence stories The preservation of surprise Maintaining important ideas throughout a story  Nervous as a part of public storytelling and speaking The importance of stating stakes early  Techniques for shortening stories Next, we answer questions about hints to winning Moth and other competitive storytelling events and the responsibility of the storyteller and the audience.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS New York City Public Library appearance registration 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 The Robbery: https://bit.ly/2DWczc2 The Promise: https://bit.ly/2zGe4au RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Ear Hustle: https://www.earhustlesq.com Station Eleven: https://amzn.to/2ncRSR6 Matt: Shocking Secrets of Food Commercials: https://bit.ly/2rgJOOV The Art of Manliness: https://bit.ly/2KOny87 Kathy Binder Stay Tuned with Preet: https://n.pr/2FgAY9Q