*Why do some stories make us act, while others barely hold our attention?*

Here’s the secret: **it’s all about tension.**

Think of storytelling like stretching a rubber band. The more tension you build, the more satisfying the release. Without tension, there’s no reason for your audience to care. With it, they’re hooked–waiting to see what happens next.

*Psychology backs this up.* The *Zeigarnik Effect* shows that humans are wired to remember incomplete tasks or unresolved stories better than completed ones. Why? Because our brains crave closure. When you introduce tension or leave something unresolved, your audience *has* to stick around to see how it ends.

**Try this today:** Next time you’re sharing an idea, *start in the middle of the action*. Skip the boring setup and drop your audience right into the heart of the story.

For example:
Instead of saying, “We had a tough quarter, but we made it through,” try:
“It was 11:47 PM, and the deadline was 13 minutes away. The team was silent, staring at the screen, waiting for the numbers to load. And then… the unexpected happened.”

By starting with tension, you immediately grab attention and create curiosity. Your audience will lean in, eager to know what happens next.

*Remember*: Tension isn’t just for thrillers. It’s the glue that keeps your audience engaged–whether you’re pitching an idea, leading a meeting, or giving a keynote.

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