Speak Up Storytelling #24: Erin Barker
/On episode #24 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Elysha Dicks and I talk storytelling!
In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up shows and messages received from listeners from around the world.
Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the value of preserving memories for future storytelling but also because throwing away memories is something we all do every day but inevitably regret later on.
Then we listen to Erin Barker's story about finding her love for learning thanks to a man with an axe. Erin is a two-time Moth GrandSLAM champion and the Artistic Director of The Story Collider whose stories have been featured on PRX's The Moth Radio Hour and in The New York Times-bestselling book The Moth: 50 True Stories.
After listening to Erin’s story, we discuss:
The effectiveness of a clear story arc
The difference between a funny story and a funny story with real heart and meaning
The humor of specificity
The power and inherent strength demonstrated in authentic, honest self-deprecation
Embedding learning within a story
Chekov's gun
Next, we answer questions about starting stories with the word "So" and the economics of storytelling.
Finally, Elysha and I each offer a recommendation.
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