To avoid a long pointless story, first, identify your audience. If you're talking to a busy colleague, you need to be more to - the - point. Second, focus on the key events or ideas. If it's a story about a project at work, talk about the main challenges and solutions, not every little chat you had with every co - worker. Third, rehearse your story in your head briefly before sharing it. This can help you cut out the fluff and make it more purposeful.
Stay focused on the main idea. Before you start telling a story, figure out what the key point is that you want to convey. For example, if it's about a funny incident at work, don't deviate into talking about your commute to work unless it's relevant to the incident.
You can start with a really simple and uninteresting event, like waiting for a kettle to boil. Then you just keep adding unnecessary details. For example, you could describe the color of the kettle, the sound it makes in great detail, how the steam rises slowly and curls in the air. Keep repeating similar details and going off on tangents. For instance, you might start talking about other times you've waited for something to heat up.
Well, you could add some unexpected twists. For example, if it's a story about a daily routine that's dull, suddenly introduce a strange character or an out - of - the - blue event. Like in a story about someone going to work every day in a boring way, suddenly a UFO lands near their workplace. It can immediately grab the listener's attention.
You can also shift the focus. Instead of getting to the end, start talking about a related side story or a character's backstory. For instance, in a love story, rather than revealing if the couple gets married in the end, start talking about how they first met their respective best friends. This diverts attention from the main story's end.
Stick to the facts. If it's a story based on real events, do research and make sure all the details are accurate.
If you don't want to be too direct, you can start giving short, non - encouraging responses. Like just nodding or saying 'hmm' in a less enthusiastic way. Eventually, the person might get the hint that you're not really interested in their long - winded story.
Be conscious of the topic. Always think before you speak. If you're not sure if a story might be related to sex, it's better not to share it.
A story can be long and pointless if it has no clear plot or purpose. Maybe it just rambles on without any direction or conclusion.
First, you need to have a clear idea of the main plot. For example, if it's a story about a hero's journey, know where the hero starts and where they are going. Then, start with an interesting hook, like a mysterious event or a strange character. Just jump right in and start describing the situation. For instance, 'In a dark and stormy night, a lone figure emerged from the forest.'
Well, you can start with a very ordinary character like a cat. Then just have the cat do something really simple and repetitive like chasing its own tail. Keep on describing how it chases its tail, how it gets dizzy, and then does it again. That can be the start of a long pointless story.