True Stories,
Real People.

True Stories, Real People.

Speak Up is a Hartford-based storytelling organization dedicated to promoting the art of personal storytelling to a broad audience. Our mission is to foster and support a vibrant community of storytellers throughout Connecticut.

Our Approach

At Speak Up, founders and producers Matthew and Elysha Dicks work closely with both professional and amateur storytellers. We help storytellers craft their tales for the stage and offer storytelling workshops for individuals at every level of experience.

Speak Up Podcast

Co-host and wife, Elysha Dicks, and I produce a weekly podcast on storytelling called Speak Up Storytelling. Unlike most storytelling podcasts, which offer you one or more outstanding stories to listen to and enjoy, our podcast seeks to entertain while also providing some specific, actionable lessons on storytelling.
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“Daily listen”

“Matthew and Elysha have a wonderful dynamic in which they are so kind and respectful to each other even when they disagree. They bring to life stories which I thought were mundane or just regular occurrences. I haven’t yet begun telling stories on stage, but I have paid more attention to the stories I tell to others. We share life with so many people that we barely know. Sharing stories has been the bridge to a new level of building relationships. These relationships and the intimacy that we share through stories will always be more treasured than material possessions. Thank you for shedding light on a whole new world for me.”

-Jon from California, Apple Podcasts

JOIN US LIVE

From book launches to fundraisers, our events deliver captivating stories that are unforgettable. Featuring a mix of seasoned storytellers and fresh new voices, we share tales of struggle, success, humor, and heart.

Each evening promises a unique blend of entertainment and inspiration, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

Meet the Founders

Matthew Dicks

Matthew Dicks is an internationally bestselling author, columnist, blogger, podcaster, award-winning teacher, speaker, and co-founder of Speak Up.

A 60-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 9-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, he teaches storytelling to everyone from Fortune 100 businesses to the FBI, Santa Clauses to Olympic gold medalists, clergy members, attorneys, magicians, wildlife photographers, therapists, comedians, and the Mohawk Nation of Canada.

Click here to learn more.

Elysha Dicks

Elysha Dicks is the co-founder, Executive Director, and host of Speak Up and also the co-host of the Speak Up Storytelling Podcast. 
 
Elysha is an elementary school teacher who spends her days reading books, singing songs, and teaching kids to take care of each other. Elysha likes dark roasts, hates cilantro, and can regularly be found strumming her ukulele or baking challah. 

Be the first to know.

Sign up for Speak Up’s mailing list to receive newsletters once or twice a month informing you of upcoming shows, workshops, and other storytelling opportunities. Be the first to receive news about casting, quick-to-sellout workshops, and everything else under the Speak Up sun.

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