The Last Handshake: Episode 5 Principle 5: Intrigue
A story about stories
Stories, the tapestry of our lives.
What makes a story real, relatable and memorable? I believe there are
7 principles in play that comprise a great story.
Please join me as I weave these principles into
The Last Handshake: A story about stories
Episode 5
Principle 5: Intrigue
Anytime you can add an element of uncertainty to your stories, do it. Not only will you arouse the curiosity of your audience, but you will also capture their attention.
Knowing Jim had cancer, there was no question of what I needed to do.
I knew Jim had cancer but I didn’t know how much time he had left. I just knew I had to tell him what he meant to me before it was too late.
I called the house to ask Jim’s wife, Dorothy if we could come over and visit. I say we because I wanted my boys to hear what I had to say to this man who had sharpened me. Jim’s daughter, Amy, answered the phone and said it would be fine for us to visit.
Throughout this story, there has been a principle in play that I keep referring to. The principle is Iron Sharpens Iron. Jim was one of my “Iron Friends” but he was not the only one. There have been many individuals, men and women, in my life who have sharpened me.
One of the things I’m known for are my T-shirts. It’s been a passion of mine for years. There’s a saying about T-shirts that’s especially intriguing to me. I’ve personally seen this truth over and over in my life.
Never underestimate the POWER of a T-shirt.
~ Fred LeBow
Several years ago, I wanted to thank another friend who had sharpened me. His name was Larry. (I’ll share his story another time.) That’s when the idea came to me to design a T-shirt with the saying Iron Sharpens Iron on it. Larry was the first person to receive an Iron T-shirt.
It’s been very rewarding to give Iron T-shirts to those individuals who have sharpened me. Now, I was kicking myself because I had never given one to Jim.
Maybe I still could.
Coming next: Principle 6: Tension
For the 30-minute drive to Jim’s house, my head was full of questions. What will I say? Have I waited too long? Will Jim even know me or know I’m there?
Please join me for Episode 6 of The Last Handshake: A story about stories
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