Conflict is the driving force of storytelling. It creates tension, stakes, and emotional investment, keeping audiences engaged. Without conflict, a story lacks mystery, suspense, and "What will happen next?"

When you're considering a story for your show, ask, "What's at stake in this story?" Answering that question gives you an indication of your story's strength. Screenwriting guru Robert McKee calls it "the inciting incident." It's also called the "trigger or "triggering event."

Get listeners invested in your story by starting it with a hook headline. You develop the headline from the conflict point. For example, my apology to a friend damaged our relationship!

What types of conflict could kickstart your stories?

After establishing the inciting incident, escalate the conflict or raise the stakes to give the story momentum and keep listeners engaged. Whether a character battles external forces or grapples with inner demons, conflict fosters listener empathy and investment in the outcome and the character.

The Final Word

Conflict isn't just about fights or arguments -- it's about opposing forces that challenge characters and make stories compelling. A well-constructed conflict leads to a meaningful and satisfying conclusion, making the story feel complete for the audience.