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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Stories Connect Us (part 3): Conflict

Conflict drives the story forward. Without conflict the story would be stagnant in the setting without any motion. Conflict causes Luke to leave Tatooine with Obi Wan, and Frodo to leave the Shire.

The images you choose and the stories you tell are essential to helping your audience to feel the conflict. This painting by Da Vinci shows the chaos of battle. Conflict is tangible, inescapable. Notice how this image encompasses both the conflict and the setting. We don't really need to know much about the setting when we see armed men engaged in combat. Setting has taken a back seat to conflict.

When helping people to envision conflict remember that you can raise up strong emotions. Be aware and sensitive. How can conflict help your listeners engage with your story?

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