Turn "Then... then... then..." into engaging narratives
📖 Discourse & StructureThink about the best conversations you've had. They probably included stories. Why?
Because humans are wired for narrative. We remember stories 22 times better than facts alone.
Compare these two responses:
❌ "I went to Thailand. It was hot. I saw temples. The food was good. I came home."
✅ "So, a few years ago, I went to Thailand. First, I visited Bangkok, which was incredibly hot. Then one morning, I got lost trying to find a temple. After walking for hours, I finally found it - and honestly, it was worth it. Eventually, I had to come home, but I still dream about the food there."
Same trip. Completely different experience listening to it.
The difference? Structure and sequencing language.
Today you'll learn: 5 sequencing phrases that turn any experience into a story people want to hear.
Click each phrase to see how stories come alive:
Examples:
"So, this happened to me last week..."
"So basically, I was trying to cook dinner when..."
Start telling me about your morning. Begin with "So,..."
Examples:
"First, I checked my email."
"At first, I thought it was a joke." (implies it changed)
Tell me about making your last meal. Start with "First,..."
Examples:
"Then I realized I forgot my keys."
"After that, everything went wrong."
Continue your meal story: "First... Then... After that..."
Examples:
"Suddenly, my phone rang."
"All of a sudden, the lights went out."
Think of a surprising moment. Describe it starting with "Suddenly,..."
Examples:
"In the end, everything worked out."
"Eventually, I found my way home."
Think of a problem you solved. How did it end? Use "In the end,..." or "Eventually,..."
Let's build a complete story using the structure.
Build a story about a bad day using the prompts:
Step 1: SETUP - Start your story
💡 "So,..." or "So basically,..."
Step 2: FIRST EVENT - What happened first?
💡 "First,..." or "At first,..."
Step 3: SEQUENCE - What happened next? (2-3 events)
💡 "Then,..." / "After that,..." / "Later,..."
Step 4: CLIMAX - The worst/most surprising moment
💡 "Suddenly,..." or "All of a sudden,..."
Step 5: END - How did it finish?
💡 "In the end,..." or "Eventually,..."
Tell stories for 3 minutes total. Use ALL your sequencing phrases!
A Scary Moment
Something that frightened you
A Great Day
One of your best days ever
An Embarrassing Moment
Something awkward that happened
A Travel Adventure
Something that happened on a trip
Tell your story using this structure:
So → First → Then/After that → Suddenly → In the end
Bonus: Use time-buyers at the start! "Let me think... So, this happened..."
Can you remember? Test yourself BEFORE revealing!
"That's a good question..."
"I can see..."
"It looks like..." / "They seem to be..."
Opinion + because + reason + Also + second reason
Tell a story about a photo from your life, then give your opinion about it:
"Tell me about your favorite photo and why you love it."
Use: Time-buyers (L1) + Description (L2) + Opinion with reasons (L3) + Story structure (L4)
I can tell a simple story with clear sequencing
How confident do you feel?
✓ "So,..." - Start the story
✓ "First,..." / "At first,..." - Begin sequence
✓ "Then,..." / "After that,..." - Continue sequence
✓ "Suddenly,..." - Create drama
✓ "In the end,..." / "Eventually,..." - Finish story
🎯 Mini Challenge:
Next time someone asks "How was your weekend?", tell it as a STORY, not a list. Use at least 3 sequencing phrases!