On episode #33 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we thank our listeners, including American military personnel from around the world who have been reaching out to us this week, as well as those listeners kind enough to rate and review Speak Up Storytelling during this past week. We went over 100 reviews and rating this week! In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how a simple but powerful statement from a stranger can be enough material for a story.  Next we listen to Bobbi Klau's story about the search for the perfect gift.  After listening, we discuss: Pacing, both as it related to authenticity and the ability of the audience to follow a story The power of humor at the top of a story, particularly when it demonstrates honesty, authenticity, and self-deprecation to your audience Telling stories in scenes Strategically humorous moments in stories vs. a joke placed within a story Kurt Vonnegut's philosophy on short stories The hazards of cultural references Avoiding the de-activating of your audience's imagination when you need to provide your audience with information Next, we answer a question about the difference between stories that end in a moment of emotional resonance vs. a light-hearted observation or decision and a question about the role of EQ vs. logic in storytelling. Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne Wire Tap with Jonathan Goldstein: https://bit.ly/2W5pZbz "Deformed Cow and the Moonlight Deer": https://bit.ly/2Do8OKS 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: Workplace lunch clubs Matt Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech Deadpool