Your Weekly Dose of Storytelling for Mar 4, 2025

*What’s the secret to making your story unforgettable?*

**Surprise.**

Think about the last time a story truly grabbed you. Chances are, it had a moment that caught you off guard–a twist, an unexpected turn, or a detail that made you think, *Wait… what?!* That’s because our brains are wired to pay attention to the unexpected.

*Here’s why it works:* Neuroscience shows that surprises trigger the **dopaminergic system**, which controls motivation and memory. When something unexpected happens, our brain releases **dopamine**, making us more engaged and more likely to remember the story.

**Here’s your challenge today:** Add an element of surprise to your next story.

For example:
Instead of: *”We worked hard and finally succeeded.”*
Try: *”We were sure we had failed. Then, out of nowhere, the phone rang–and everything changed.”*

Or instead of: *”I learned an important lesson.”*
Try: *”I thought I was right–until a 10-year-old proved me wrong.”*

See the difference? The second versions create *curiosity*. They make people *lean in*.

*Remember*: The best stories don’t just inform–they *surprise and delight*.

So, what unexpected twist will you add to your next story?

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