On episode #41 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we congratulate friend of the podcast Robin Gelfenbien on her recent (and momentous) Moth StorySLAM victory. Robin is the producer and host of Yum's the Word, an award-winning NYC storytelling show and podcast: http://www.yumsthewordshow.com Next, we pass on AirTable, a Homework for Life suggestion from a listener: https://airtable.com https://vimeo.com/album/3513053/format:detail ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: March 30: "Courage" at Real Art Ways April 14: "Voices of Hope" at the Mandell JJ, West Hartford, CT April 27: "Put Me in Coach: Stories of Athletic Endeavors” at CHS May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about the challenge of tell a hero story when the act of heroism is not all that impressive or interesting.  Next we listen to Tom Ouimet's story about a secret in his pants.  After listening, we discuss: The exceptional layering and efficiency of the story The strategic use of pauses and silence to enhance humor  The importance of choice and consistency when it comes to the perspective adopted by the storyteller The escalation of stakes Making choices consistent with the tone and theme of a story Next, we answer questions about critiquing stories and telling stories from a third person perspective.  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 STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 May 4: Storytelling workshop (beginner), CT Historical Society May 18: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society June 1: Storytelling workshop (master class), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 25-27: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: www.designmom.com Matt: 'The Middle': Watch How a Pop Hit Is Made | NYT - Diary of a Song