On episode #86 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss listener comments and upcoming events.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company April 4: “Pity the Fool: Stories of Fools and Foolishness” at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT April 5: Voices of Hope storytelling showcase, Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT April 18: A Night of Storytelling with Matthew Dicks, MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about how contrast can often serve as an effective engine for storytelling.  Next we listen to a story by Talia Pollock.   Amongst the many things we discuss include: Humor The raising of stakes throughout a story Allowing important moments to linger  Strategic characterizations of characters Bending stories to fit the needs of the speaker Next we answer a question about the cost of living a certain kind of life.    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Cheer on Netflix Matt: Calling for help in grocery stores LINKS Pre-order Party in my Plants: https://partyinmyplants.com/the-book/ 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: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it