Tip 17: Include Twists and Turns
Hadiya Nuriddin, MA, MEd
Award-winning Senior Learning Strategist, Instructional Designer, and Elearning Developer | International Keynote Speaker | Author of StoryTraining and Quality Management in L&D | CPTD | CQIA | CPTM | WOSB-certified
I started freelancing full-time in April 2011, but that was not my first attempt.
The first time I tried freelancing was after I got laid off in March 2008. Armed with a decent severance package and obligatory business cards, I was open for business. I even had a contract lined up that paid enough to allow me to save the severance money for a rainy day.
On my last day of work, I treated myself by buying a pillowtop mattress cover that I had been coveting for the last few years. It was expensive, but why not buy it anyway? As a big-time entrepreneur, I'll need my rest. Immediately after wrestling the thing onto my bed, my phone rang.
"I'm sorry but the client decided to cancel the contract. They didn't say why."
After only two hours as a big-time entrepreneur, that rainy day I planned to save for arrived.
I was in shock but incredibly comfortable as I sat on my bed, staring down at my phone in my lap. I was new to contracting and unaware that such things could happen. What was a contract if clients could just go around canceling them? Could this happen again? How could I plan around something like that? What kind of life would that be? After refocusing on my immediate problems, I began to panic. I had no real strategy for getting that first contract, let alone another one.
While I would eventually string together a few contracts to supplement my severance, that first surprise was so off-putting that I stopped looking for contracts and got a regular job that October. I was clearly not ready to live in the perpetual uncertainty of freelancing. And most importantly, I didn't know how to freelance. I didn't understand how it worked and what I would gain and lose in the process.
It turned out for the best because I continued to contract while working a full-time job, giving me the opportunity to pay off my debt. Also, I spent that time learning how to sell and gaining a better understanding of how contracting worked. So, while the uncertainty did not change, I did.
In personal storytelling, the better twists and turns are the ones you learn from.
Twists and Turns in Storytelling
Including twists and turns in personal storytelling maintains audience engagement and interest, as unpredictability intrigues listeners about what will happen next. These narrative surprises can lead to emotional impact, as they often bring unexpected revelations or shifts in the story's direction, deepening the audience's emotional investment.
Twists also add complexity to the narrative, challenging the audience to reconsider their assumptions and perspectives on the story's characters and events. This element of surprise can highlight the storyteller's creativity, showcasing their ability to think outside the box and craft a unique narrative journey. Moreover, twists and turns can make a personal story more memorable, as the unexpected elements tend to stick in the audience's mind, making the storytelling experience more impactful and long-lasting.
Here are a few examples:
Example 1: The Unexpected Competitor
"I had prepared for every conceivable challenge when launching my tech startup. But nothing could have prepared me for what happened six months in. Out of nowhere, a former colleague, someone I trusted and shared my ideas with, launched a competing product. It was eerily similar to ours, only more refined. I felt betrayed and outmaneuvered. This twist forced me to rethink my strategy and approach to business relationships. It was a hard lesson in trust and competition."
The twist of a trusted colleague becoming a competitor is impactful because it disrupts the protagonist's and the reader's expectations. This sudden betrayal adds dramatic tension and pushes the protagonist into a deeper understanding of business dynamics. It makes the story more engaging by adding a personal conflict and illustrating the complexities of trust in the business world.
Example 2: The Market Shift
"After years of struggling, my clothing store finally gained traction. When I thought I had everything figured out, the market trends shifted drastically. Overnight, our most popular product line became obsolete, thanks to a new fashion trend I hadn’t anticipated. This unforeseen turn of events forced me to pivot quickly, exploring new styles and suppliers. It was a whirlwind of adaptation and innovation, showing me the importance of staying agile and responsive in business."
The sudden market shift is a compelling twist that creates a sense of urgency and highlights the unpredictable nature of the business world. It challenges the protagonist to adapt quickly, demonstrating the importance of flexibility and innovation in business. This turn of events engages the reader by introducing a new challenge and showcasing the protagonist's resilience.
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Example 3: The Investors True Intentions
"Securing an investor for my startup felt like a dream come true. However, as we approached the final stages of the deal, I uncovered the investor's true intentions. They weren't interested in the growth potential of my business but rather in acquiring our technology to eliminate competition for one of their other investments. This revelation was a shock, completely changing the playing field. I had to navigate this complex situation carefully, safeguarding my company's interests."
The twist involving the investor's true intentions introduces an element of intrigue and betrayal. It serves as a wake-up call for the protagonist, revealing the complexities and sometimes duplicitous nature of business dealings. This plot twist adds depth to the story, challenging the protagonist's naivety and illustrating the need for vigilance and strategic thinking in business partnerships.
In each of these narratives, the twist significantly alters the course of the story, introducing new challenges and opportunities for character development. These unexpected turns enhance the story's engagement factor and provide deeper insights into the realities of the business world.
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