Welcome back to the Christian Story Lab. Last week, we discussed how visual storytelling allows us to create immersive experiences and tell better stories.

Today, we are exploring a tiny technique to make stories far more gripping.

I want you to read the two following passages written as a podcast script. Imagine I launched a Christian Story Lab podcast, and the topic was this tiny technique called open loops.

After you read Draft 1, we will see if we can make it more gripping with Draft 2 and explain exactly why they are different.

Here is draft 1 of a completely made-up script:

Okay, so the above passage is one way to record the podcast that I would argue will fall flat on its face.

We have not raised the stakes, built any tension, or agitated any pain. It’s written well, but even the best-written pieces lose readers if they are not emotionally gripping.

If your audience doesn’t feel they NEED to know the answers, they will not continue listening, watching, or reading to find the answers.

Let’s try again 🥁

NOW we’re effective storytellers.

Once you recognize open loops, you’ll see them in marketing copy, newsletters, X threads, presentations, Reels, and anywhere else your attention is valuable.

Today, let's explore why this technique matters so much in our efforts to become effective storytellers and why it can be dangerous and even spammy when used irresponsibly.

Let’s go 🤙

What Are Open Loops and Why Do They Work?

Open Loops simply create an unresolved idea or question that pulls people’s attention until it’s answered.

This is a psychological principle (oooh, science) called “The Zeigarnick Effect.” Essentially, unfinished tasks occupy our minds more than completed ones.

• “I stepped outside my house, looked down the street, and saw something that stopped me in my tracks.”

That’s an open loop. What’s down the street? Is it dangerous? Would I equally be stopped in my tracks if I saw this thing?”

These loops work on us because of that science stuff we mentioned a moment ago. Our brains go, “Wow, I could really use some closure right now.” That prompts us to stick with the experience to get answers.

Arguably, the most powerful tool a storyteller has is the ability to create tension. Open loops accomplish this by withholding key information.

• The villain strolls into town with a body-sized bag draped over his shoulder.

• Apple launches a new feature that will revolutionize our phone usage.

• The preacher asks, “Have you ever wondered why some prayers seem unanswered?”

These open loops demand closure.

But be warned: If you open a loop, be ready to close it. When we fail to close a loop, our content becomes scammy, clickbait, and untrustworthy.

The goal is to earn trust. Abusing open loops does the opposite of that work. We have to close the loops we open to build trust in our churches, our businesses, and our art.

Great writing uses loops on two levels:

• Macro loops: Larger unresolved story arcs or concepts over a longer span (sermon series, brand story, etc.).

• Micro loops: Small questions or ideas that are resolved quickly but lead into the next one (think about all those Netflix binges you’ve been on and you know what these look like).

I want to show you how these loops work on a macro and micro level in churches, businesses, and art.

Use these examples to inspire an open loop in your next story.

Churches: How to Preach and Teach Using Open Loops

• Macro Example: I preached a sermon series once titled, “I Want To Believe, But. . .” and I tackled the 6 biggest objections people have against belief in God. The series title and overall concept create a macro open loop that encourages people to attend all six weeks to address their objections.

• Micro Example: A few weeks ago, in a sermon, I said, "There are three key principles that can transform your prayer life. The third one might surprise you..." Nobody left early that day. Same information I was going to give regardless, but I shaped it well.

Businesses: Engaging Customers with Open Loops

• Macro Example: Remember when Apple announced the first iPhone? Steve Jobs might as well have said, "I’m changing the world, and I'll tell you how in six months!" For half a year, tech geeks and regular folks were buzzing like caffeinated bees, imagining what this magical device could do. That’s macro-level hooking.

• Micro Example: Amazon's "Customers who bought this item also bought..." is the digital equivalent of whispering, "Psst... wanna know what else the cool kids are buying?" Next thing you know, you're adding three more things to your cart and wondering how you ever lived without a Dancing With Jesus book.

The Arts: Creating Stories with Open Loops

• Macro Example: I never watched the TV show Lost, but the showrunners masterfully used macro open loops throughout its six-season run. With mysteries like smoke monsters and pregnancy issues on a weird island, viewers were hooked. It's like the showrunners were saying, "We'll explain everything... eventually. Maybe. Keep watching!"

• Micro Example: In the opening of Pulp Fiction, we see two characters (later revealed to be Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer) discussing their decision to rob the diner they're sitting in. The scene cuts away before we see the robbery, creating a micro loop that isn't closed until the end of the film. This nonlinear storytelling keeps viewers engaged and curious.

The Golden Rule of storytelling: Get them to the end.

It's not about who arrives. It's about who stays. If we can't earn trust, we can't inspire action. If we can't inspire action, we can't grow our businesses, inspire our people, or captivate with our art.

Christians have the greatest story ever told.

Use the tiny open loops technique to captivate your audience early and keep them engaged.

This Week’s Christian Creator Highlight!

No stories were submitted, so I’ll pick someone to highlight. Here’s a great example of vivid usage from the lovely Luke Simmons in response to one of my posts.

As always, feel free to submit your stories, illustrations, or videos by replying to this email or tagging me on X (@thepaytonminz). Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.

Write on 🤙

Payton

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