*What’s the quickest way to make your story more powerful?*

**Start in the middle.**

Most people tell stories in chronological order: *”First this happened, then this, then this…”* But the best storytellers know that sometimes, the most gripping way to begin is by dropping the audience *right into the action*.

*Here’s why it works:* Studies in cognitive psychology show that **humans are wired for curiosity**. When we’re thrown into a moment of tension or intrigue without context, our brain *demands* to know what happens next. This is called the **Zeigarnik Effect**–our tendency to remember and focus on unfinished stories.

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

For example:
Instead of: *”Last year, we decided to launch a new product. It was a long process, but eventually, we succeeded.”*
Try: *”The numbers were terrible. We were three weeks from launch, and nothing was working. I remember thinking, ‘This might actually fail.’”*

Or instead of: *”I want to tell you about a lesson I learned.”*
Try: *”I was standing in front of 200 people, completely blanking on my next words. My mind had *shut down*.”*

See the difference? The second versions *pull you in immediately*. They make you *need* to know what happens next.

*Remember*: Don’t start at the beginning. Start where it *gets interesting*.

So, where will you drop your audience into your next story?

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