Storyworthy

Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling by Matthew Dicks

January 16, 2025

❝

To be a storyteller means you have to separate yourself from the herd.

What makes a story unforgettable?

In Storyworthy, Matthew Dicks—an elementary school teacher by day who also teaches storytelling to corporations and universities around the world—shares his secrets for crafting compelling, memorable stories.

Whether you're on stage, at a party, or in a business meeting, Dicks reveals how storytelling can make you more engaging, relatable, and unforgettable.

SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
Homework for Life

1️⃣ Reflect on Your Life: Every day, write down the most storyworthy moment. It doesn’t have to be big or dramatic—small, meaningful moments are often the most powerful. This practice helps you notice stories everywhere.

2️⃣ Start Late, End Early: Great stories don’t need to start with “Once upon a time” or explain every detail. Begin where the action starts and end before you over-explain. Let the audience fill in the gaps.

3️⃣ 5-Second Moments: The best stories focus on moments of transformation—when something shifted in your perspective, your feelings, or your life. These are the “aha” moments that stick with people.

INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
The Butter Story

Matthew shares a story about a tiny act of kindness: his wife surprising him with buttered bread after a long day. It wasn’t the butter—it was the gesture, the thoughtfulness, and the love behind it.

By focusing on this small yet meaningful moment, Dicks transforms the ordinary into something profound. It’s a perfect example of how a good story can come from the simplest of experiences.

PUT IT IN ACTION
Storytelling Tips for Business

Matthew Dicks shares strategies to connect, engage and grow your relationships no matter what business situation.

BOOK FACTS
Storyworthy

  • First published: 2018

  • Print length: 368 pages

  • Listening length: 10:01

  • Ratings: 4.6 Amazon, 4.3 Goodreads

FROM THE AUTHOR
Additional Books

LENNY’S PODCAST
How to Tell Better Stories

📕 Today’s book and podcast were recommended by our friend Luke Tucker. He was inspired by Matthew’s book and started writing his own stories. Read his first post here:

The Dead End that Wasn't

A walk in the woods with my toddler revealed how much we miss when we only look at the world from our point of view.

TOP PICKS FOR JANUARY
Make Your Goals Last in 2025

📚 Smarter Book Clubs: Looking for an energizing team-building activity that inspires? Get the benefits of a book club without reading the books. Learn more, then book a FREE consultation.

📓 2025 Goal Planner: Achieve more in 2025. Set your goals, measure progress, and track your daily tasks in one place. Get yours today.

📈 NOAN: Your ultimate AI business partner for answers, guidance, and content. Try NOAN for free.

🚢 Giveaway: Enter to win a 4-night Cruise courtesy of Cruises.com in a balcony stateroom on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas!

Daily News for Curious Minds

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.

Help Us Get Slightly Smarter

How did you like today's email?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.