Your Weekly Dose of Storytelling for Jan 21, 2025

*What’s the fastest way to make your story unforgettable?*

**Start at the peak, not the beginning.**

Most people tell stories chronologically: *”First this happened, then that happened, and finally…”* But here’s the thing–your audience doesn’t have the patience to wait for the good part. If you want to hook them, you need to drop them *right into the action*.

*Here’s why it works:* Neuroscience shows that our brains are wired to pay attention to high-stakes moments. When you start with a dramatic or emotional peak, you activate the brain’s **amygdala**, which processes excitement and urgency. This keeps your audience engaged because they *need* to know what happens next.

**Here’s your challenge today:** Start your next story in the middle of the action.

For example:
Instead of saying, “Last year, we launched a new product, and it was a long journey,” try:
“It was 2 AM, and our team was staring at a blank screen. The product launch was in six hours, and nothing was working. That’s when someone said, ‘What if we just scrap the plan and start over?’”

By starting at the peak, you create instant intrigue. Your audience will lean in, wondering, *”How did they get here? What happens next?”* Then, you can rewind and fill in the backstory.

*Remember*: The beginning of your story isn’t where it starts–it’s where it *grabs*.

So, where’s the peak of your next story? Start there.

#Storytelling #StartWithAction #Engagement #Leadership #PresentationSkills #PublicSpeaking #Neuroscience #Communication #BusinessStorytelling #Inspiration