On episode #34 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we hear from a listener who hosted an evening of stories at this home with great success. We also resume our debate about jokes within a story.  In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about the process of taking a single moment from the week and crafting out the skeleton of a story, including the importance of recognizing, protecting, and enhancing any surprises contained therein.    Next we listen to Chion Wolf's story about the biggest job interview of her life.   After listening, we discuss: Effective transitions of time and space Telling stories in vivid, easily imagined scenes The power of effective inner dialogue The preservation and enhancement of surprise Effective ways of speaking highly of yourself Next, we answer a question about ending a story early and leaving the audience hanging on unspoken, final details of a story.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS 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 Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter:  http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up This Is Going to Suck RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Terry Gross -Earlonne Woods interview Terry Gross - Marc Maron Matt: Technology, Ranked