ABSTRACT
Regardless of what type they are, all stories seem to be based on a common narrative structure. Stories begin with the introduction of some sort of conflict or plot. The conflict then develops by creating suspense about its outcome. The suspense builds up to a point of climax or resolution of the conflict. Then the story “winds down” to a conclusion. One problem associated with the use of anecdotes in speaking is the failure of speakers to transform incidents into anecdotes. In other
words, it is seldom compelling to merely tell “what happened.” What happened must be constructed with conscious effort to appropriately develop conflict, sus - pense, and resolution.
