**How do you make people *remember* what you say long after the conversation ends?**

*Tell them a story with a surprise.*

Surprises activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, which makes us more likely to remember the moment. Neuroscience tells us that when we’re caught off guard, our brains pay extra attention. So, when your story takes an unexpected turn, your audience is hooked–and they’ll carry that story with them.

**Storytelling hack**: Next time you’re sharing an idea, add a plot twist. Start with a familiar scenario, then flip it. For example, if you’re talking about overcoming a challenge, describe the moment when things *didn’t* go as planned. Maybe you thought you had the perfect solution, but it completely backfired. That unexpected shift creates tension and keeps your audience engaged.

**Your action step**: Think of a story you’ll share this week. How can you add a small, unexpected twist to it? Maybe it’s a moment where things went wrong before they went right, or an unexpected lesson that changed your perspective.

Surprise keeps people *curious*–and curiosity is the key to unforgettable storytelling.

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