**What’s the one thing that can make your story *instantly* more engaging?**

*Conflict.* Yep, you read that right. Without conflict, your story is just a series of events. But when you introduce a challenge or obstacle, people can’t help but pay attention. Why? Because our brains are wired to solve problems. Neuroscience shows that when we encounter conflict in a story, our brain releases cortisol, a hormone that sharpens our focus. We *need* to know how it ends.

**Try this storytelling hack**: The next time you’re sharing a story–whether in a meeting, presentation, or even a casual chat–introduce a challenge. Instead of saying, “We launched the product and it was a success,” try, “We hit a major snag right before launch and thought everything was going to fall apart… but then something unexpected happened.” That moment of tension keeps people on the edge of their seats.

**Your action step**: Think of a story you’ll share today. Identify the conflict or challenge in it. Lead with that tension, and watch how it pulls people in.

Ready to make your stories more gripping? Start with conflict, and let your audience *feel* the