• Tip 4: Build up some suspense

    The key to a good story is to throw in a surprise.  Look at the two examples below.  Which one is more fun to listen to?
    Example 1: I went to the restaurant for lunch and was having a lovely time with my friend.  At the end, I went to pay for my meal and I realized I had left my wallet at home.  I was mortified!
    Example 2: I went out of the house without my wallet.  I had lunch with my friend, but at the end I couldn't pay for it because I didn't have my wallet.
    I hope you will agree that example 1 is much more interesting to listen to, because the important detail—the forgotten wallet—comes into the story as a surprise.