Words that move our emotions have their names change with the movement of time. Take this scenario to explain what I mean.
A husband and wife are having dinner in a restaurant. The husband suddenly collapses. The customers and employees are surprised as to what happened. They are curious to know what went wrong. The audience watching this scene in a movie is anxious about what will happen next.
Let us take the same scene and while preparing the dinner for the husband the cook sprays a toxic chemical on his plate. The waiter then serves the dinner to the wife and husband. The audience is in a state of suspense now. They are aroused and may start screaming warning the husband not to eat his dish. The audience knew in advance what would happen and this kept them in suspense.
Surprise because the audience did not expect what happened in the first scenario.
The audience knew in advance that something wrong was going to happen as in the second scenario.
The timing of knowing shifted surprise to suspense and vice versa.
Studies have shown that suspense has a huge impact on audiences and readers because the audiences feel they are part of the plot. They are in it. One study concluded that suspense can be evoked even when readers know how the story will end. The inclusion of a surprising event is highly appreciated.
My friend Milka Zadox Adiga expressed her love for suspense even more than her love for curiosity as follows.
“I love mystery dearest friend, Ali, it can be one of the concepts that resist definitive explanation, instead inviting exploration contemplation, and wonder, a hidden or obscurity, a puzzle or enigma, something unexplained or unknown and complex”
Do you want to make what you say or present thrilling? Use suspense- curiosity- mystery and mix them creatively. It all depends on how when you alert the readers or audience to a moving event and make it known to them.
Timing may change any of them to the other. Use them creatively.
Thank you for always providing stimulating topics.
I can’t wait to read the next one.
I have similar feelings to your posts, Aldo
Thank you
The ability to arouse emotions and sensations in the listener makes the difference between an effective presentation and one that is not. Which, needless to say, can be decisive in obtaining the appreciation and loyalty of listeners.
The truth is that we are always looking for connections. So, a creative mix of suspense, curiosity and mystery are certainly useful ingredients.
Well done Professor Ali, as always!
Thank you my friend Aldo,
Your insights always are great and your appreciation is most welcome.
Thank you