Surprises are a magical thing. The problem is too many storytellers can’t help themselves and rush into them too quickly.

A good surprise within a story is a great device to reinvigorate interest in your video. Just when the audience thinks they know where the story is going, you zing them with something they’re not expecting.

The key is to build up to the surprise. There’s no rush. The build up actually makes the surprise that much more effective.

It also doesn’t have to be anything earth-shattering. Sure, it’s better if it is something significant, but ultimately anything that’s going to take viewers off-guard is going to work. Whether it’s a piece of video or a tidbit of information.

A good surprise will make your videos much more memorable.

–Tony Gnau

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