Book SummaryStoryworthy, by Matthew Dicks

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Storyworthy

Storyworthy is oral storytelling champion Matthew Dicks’s master class on how to discover, craft, and share great personal stories. Drawing on his experience telling stories on stages around the world and teaching storytelling to businesspeople, academics, performers, and people who just want to make a good impression on first dates, Dicks offers insights into how to shape ordinary moments into stories that spark profound human connections. (Shortform note: Dicks’s advice on storytelling is tailored for on-stage storytelling performances. But as we’ll discuss, his advice is valuable for all kinds of personal storytelling, from writing...

Storyworthy Summary Part 1: Why Storytelling Matters

When Dicks talks about stories, he’s referring to people’s firsthand accounts about important events in their lives. According to Dicks, these are more powerful than fictional stories because they create genuine connections between the storyteller and the audience. Personal stories require vulnerability, honesty, and authenticity from the storyteller, which allows the audience to feel that they know the person better by the end of the story.

(Shortform note: Dicks’s assertion that personal narratives are more powerful than fictional stories may have scientific backing. Researchers have found that fiction and nonfiction spark distinct patterns of brain activation: Stories we think are true activate parts of the brain that model actions, consequences, and the passage of time, while fictional stories activate brain networks related to mind-wandering and daydreaming. This suggests that personal narratives may be easier for listeners to pay attention to, internalize, and relate to—they see the events as part of the real world they live in, so they listen more attentively.)

Dicks emphasizes that everyone has the capacity to tell...

Storyworthy Summary Part 2: Discover Your Best Stories

Dicks suggests that no matter what kind of life you lead, it’s likely full of stories that are worth sharing. In this section, we’ll explain what makes a moment “storyworthy” and explore Dicks’s strategies for identifying these moments.

What Makes a Moment “Storyworthy?”

Dicks says that your “storyworthy” moments are emotionally significant events in your life—whether they’re extraordinary or mundane—that lead to transformation and discovery. Let's break this down into three key requirements:

The first requirement is that the moment must be yours. Even if another person's story seems more interesting, the audience wants to know about your life because personal stories feel more intimate. However, Dicks notes that it's possible to tell your own side of another person's story, as long as the story is still focused on you. For example, you could tell a story about how someone you know overcame a major challenge like addiction, but focus on how their journey affected you—what you learned, how it changed your perspective, or how it impacted your relationship with them.

(Shortform note: In telling stories about your life, you’ll likely use a [first-person point of...

Storyworthy Summary Part 3: Put Your Story Together

The strategies from the previous section helped you identify the core of your story—a brief moment of meaningful transformation. Now, you must combine that core with other elements that make a story great. In this section, we’ll cover Dicks’s advice for building your story step-by-step.

Start at the End to Find the Beginning

Dicks explains that the brief moment of transformation you identified earlier should take place toward the end of your story. This ensures that the story builds toward a satisfying conclusion, giving the audience a clear sense of purpose and emotional payoff. It also allows you to guide the audience through your journey of transformation—but where does that journey begin?

According to Dicks, the beginning of your story should be the exact opposite of the ending. For example, if your story ends with a personal triumph, then it should begin by depicting self-doubt, confusion, or a challenge you’re struggling to overcome.

Additionally, Dicks recommends choosing a relevant moment that’s relatively near in time to the ending. If you start too far in the distant past, the story may feel unfocused or drawn out, and the audience may struggle to pay...

Storyworthy Summary Part 4: Share Your Story

At this point, you’ve gathered all the elements of a good story, from a solid beginning to funny interludes. Now, Dicks says, it’s time to share your story with others. In this section, we’ll discuss Dicks’s tips for delivering your story effectively.

Step 1: Control Your Nerves

Dicks explains that it’s OK to feel nervous when you share your story. It’s also OK if the audience can tell that you’re nervous—they might find this endearing, as it shows authenticity and vulnerability. However, if you get too nervous you’ll find it difficult to perform.

(Shortform note: If you feel too scared to share your story, try isolating the reason you feel that way. This can help you identify an effective strategy for controlling your nerves. For example, if you’re afraid people will judge you harshly based on the content of your story, remind yourself that sharing your truth can foster connection and understanding. On the other hand, if you’re nervous about your public speaking skills, you could try practicing your story multiple times to build confidence.)

When it comes...

Shortform Exercise: Identify Your “Storyworthy” Moment

Dicks argues that everyone has “storyworthy” moments in their life—brief instances of transformation that can form the core of a compelling personal narrative. In this exercise, you’ll practice identifying and developing one of your own storyworthy moments.

Think about a time in your life when you experienced a subtle but meaningful internal change. This might be a moment of realization, a shift in perspective, or a small decision that led to bigger changes. Briefly describe this moment: