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Stories · part 2 — the build-up

Pace a story and build to the twist.

話のテンポと盛り上げ(ため)を作れるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

Example conversation

ASo how did the trip end up?

BLong story short, we missed the ferry and got stranded on the island.

AOh no! That sounds awful.

BIt gets better — the only hotel had one room left, for eight of us.

AYou couldn't make it up!

BHonestly, it became the best night of the whole trip.

In context

Some stories need a good build-up. When a story has too many details, I'll say, 'Long story short, we missed the last ferry and got stranded.' Then, just as they think they've heard it all, I add, 'It gets better...' and drop the twist. A well-paced story, with a 'you couldn't make this up' moment, keeps people leaning in. Pacing is everything — too fast and you lose the magic. What's a story you love to tell?

When to use it · practice

  1. Your story has lots of details. Cut to the chase for Drew.
  2. Drop the twist. Tease that it gets better.
  3. Stress how unbelievable it was. Say you couldn't make it up.

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