Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
“Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks offers practical guidance on the art of storytelling. The book reveals how ordinary people can tell extraordinary stories using everyday life experiences. It’s not about being a born storyteller—it’s about learning and applying the right methods. Dicks draws on his extensive experience as a Moth StorySLAM champion to teach you how to engage any audience with confidence.
Who May Benefit from the Book
- People who want to improve public speaking or presentation skills
- Writers aiming to create more compelling stories
- Business professionals seeking to connect with clients through stories
- Educators looking to make lessons more memorable
- Anyone who wants to communicate better in social or professional settings
Top 3 Key Insights
- Every great story centers around a transformational five-second moment.
- Authentic stories connect better than over-theatrical or overly polished ones.
- If your story wouldn’t hold attention over dinner, it’s not ready yet.
4 More Lessons and Takeaways
- A good story isn’t about events—it’s about change. Without personal growth or emotional shifts, it’s just an anecdote.
- You must be the main character in your story. Listeners want to hear your personal truth, not someone else’s.
- Narrating someone else’s story works only if you share how it impacted you. Make it your own.
- Avoid artificial dialogue or dramatic openings. Start naturally and set context first for better engagement.
The Book in 1 Sentence
Everyone has powerful, personal stories to tell—Matthew Dicks shows how to find and tell them in unforgettable ways.
The Book Summary in 1 Minute
“Storyworthy” teaches how to tell better stories using your own life. Start by finding a key five-second moment where something truly changed for you. Avoid polished performances and instead aim for honesty and connection. Test your story with the “dinner test”—would someone enjoy it at the dinner table? Use simple, clear language and stay focused on emotional transformation. With practice and reflection, anyone can become a better storyteller.
The Book Summary in 7 Minutes
Have you ever been deeply moved by a personal story? That moment of connection isn’t luck. It’s structure and intention.
Matthew Dicks, a master storyteller and educator, explains the art of storytelling for everyday people. His focus isn’t on dramatic events—it’s about emotional truth and transformation.
Every Story Needs a Five-Second Moment
At the heart of any strong story is a five-second moment—when something changes. A realization. A decision. A shift in perspective. That moment is what gives your story purpose and power.
Dicks explains that your story should build toward this moment. For example, in his own life, the turning point wasn’t a near-fatal car accident. It was the feeling of being supported by friends when his parents didn’t show up at the hospital. That was the emotional climax. Not the crash.
Begin with the End in Mind
Once you identify the five-second moment, you know the ending. Now, work backward to figure out where to start.
Avoid flashy openings. Don’t begin with random dialogue or sound effects. Instead, introduce your story and characters like you would in a conversation with a friend. Keep it simple. Keep it real.
The Dinner Test
Before you decide your story is “stage ready,” try the dinner test. Ask yourself: Would this hold someone’s attention at a dinner table?
If not, go back and simplify. Avoid dramatic flourishes or poetic lines that don’t feel natural. People want a genuine story, not a performance.
Be the Hero of Your Story
You need to be the protagonist. Don’t tell someone else’s story unless it shows how it affected you. Even when Dicks helped children of Holocaust survivors tell stories about their parents, he asked them to relate it to their own experiences. This added emotional weight and made the story more impactful.
Tell the Truth, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
Great storytelling involves vulnerability. Don’t sugarcoat. Share what you really felt. The best stories reveal emotional truths—fear, hope, disappointment, love.
Your audience connects with you not because you’re perfect, but because you’re honest.
Drop the Performance
Avoid theatrical gestures and artificial dialogue. You’re not acting. You’re sharing. The more your story feels like a real conversation, the better your audience will respond.
Practice Through “Homework for Life”
Dicks suggests a daily practice called “Homework for Life.” Every day, write down one moment that was meaningful or surprising. Over time, this habit helps you see that your life is full of stories waiting to be told.
This approach also helps build awareness. You begin to notice more moments of emotional value—those five-second moments that turn into meaningful narratives.
Editing and Trimming
Good storytelling isn’t about length. It’s about clarity and emotion. Don’t overload your story with unnecessary background. Focus on what matters most—the transformation.
Trim anything that doesn’t lead to the moment of change. Keep it moving. Keep it focused.
Table: Key Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Focus on emotional change | Just list events |
| Keep it conversational | Use poetic or staged language |
| Center yourself as the main character | Tell stories about others with no connection |
| Start by setting the scene | Begin with awkward dialogue or sound effects |
| Be honest and vulnerable | Try to impress or perform |
About the Author
Matthew Dicks is a bestselling novelist and one of the most successful storytellers in the world. He’s a 58-time Moth StorySLAM winner and a six-time GrandSLAM champion. He also teaches storytelling workshops and speaks globally to businesses, educators, and individuals. His novels include Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend and Something Missing. As a school teacher and public speaker, Dicks brings storytelling techniques to classrooms, boardrooms, and stages alike.
How to Get the Best of the Book
Use “Homework for Life” daily to discover story ideas. Practice telling short, honest stories. Focus on transformation, not events.
Conclusion
“Storyworthy” shows that storytelling is a learnable skill. Through practice and structure, anyone can tell meaningful, memorable stories. Your life is full of moments worth sharing. You just need to know where to look.