Stories · part 2 — building it up

Build tension and lead the listener to a twist.

「ため」と「ひねり」で物語を盛り上げられるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

And here's the kicker: ~
Just when I thought ~
Plot twist: ~
Bear with me, it gets good

Example conversation

ASo you found the station, then?
BBear with me, it gets good. Just when I thought I was stuck, a tiny ramen shop was still open.
ALucky!
BAnd here's the kicker: the owner spoke perfect English.
ANo way!
BPlot twist — he used to live in my hometown.

In context

The secret to a great story is the build-up. I never rush to the ending. I'll say, 'Bear with me, it gets good,' and let the tension grow. Then, just when the listener thinks they know where it's going, I hit them with, 'And here's the kicker...' or 'Plot twist...' A good twist, well-timed, turns an ordinary anecdote into one people retell. The pause before the reveal is everything. How do you build up a story?

When to use it · practice

Your story is reaching the good part. Build the tension for Drew.
話がいいところに来ました。Drewのために緊張感を高めましょう。
Surprise him. Hit him with the kicker.
彼を驚かせましょう。決め手をぶつけましょう。
Drop a twist. Reveal the plot twist.
ひねりを出しましょう。どんでん返しを明かしましょう。

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