Keys in the hand

When I was a kid being dragged around to family events I always knew when we were about to leave.

No words were needed. In fact, everyone involved, including the hosts, knew too.

The code was simple enough; Dad would take the car keys out of his pocket.

That was the signal, we’re wrapping it up.

But we wouldn’t get up straight away. There was a grace period. Sometimes we’d sit there for another 10 minutes. Dad holding the keys, waiting for the exac…

“I think it’s time we hit the road,” he’d confirm.

By then everyone was ready to stand up and walk out.

Every story has a ‘keys in the hand’ moment – the time when it feels like the end. The story is done. It’s time to go home.

All of the plot points and action are finished and we’re hearing the big reflections about what it all means.

To ensure engagement, we need to know where that point is.

Because when you take the keys out, a countdown begins.

Taking out the keys too early, or lingering too long after you’ve given the signal, is boring. The story will drag. You’ll end up with four endings, and your end will fizzle.

Leaving too soon after the keys are in the hand could lead to an abrupt.