More on Curiosity Curve
Introduction
Applying the curiosity curve helps you hook the audience early, maintain its interest throughout and deliver a satisfying conclusion.
The curiosity curve is a communication technique that maps audience curiosity over time, ie
- Start high (spark intrigue right away.)
- Build gradually (maintain engagement with unfolding content.)
- Peak before the end (resolve the mystery or question late, to reward attention.)
- Close cleanly (deliver an “aha” or takeaway moment.)
Applying the Curiosity Curve
- The Opening – Spark Curiosity immediately
- Ask a provocative question, eg What if everything you know about [topic] is wrong?
- Tell a short, incomplete story, eg in 2002, a man walked into a boardroom and said one sentence that changed an entire industry—but I’ll come back to that.
- Reveal a surprising statistic, eg Only 12% of change initiatives succeed—but why?
- Use a bold statement, eg We’re solving the wrong problem—and it’s costing millions.
This ignites curiosity and sets a tension the audience wants resolved.
- The Middle – Feed the Curiosity Without Resolving It Yet
Structure your middle to gradually release information:
- Break content into 3 clear insights or sections.
- Use “breadcrumbs”—mini-reveals, teasers or hints.
- Raise mini-questions along the way:
Why did that fail despite great planning? Hold that thought
NB Use tools like:
- Visuals with part of the picture hidden
- Case studies that contribute to the mystery but pause before revealing outcomes
- Quotes or theories introduced without explanation yet.
This keeps the curiosity simmering.
- The Peak – Deliver the Aha!
- Around 75-85% in, deliver your key insight or story resolution, eg
That boardroom moment? Here’s what he said—and here’s what happened next.
- Connect the dots between earlier breadcrumbs.
- Use contrast (before/after, old way/new way) for impact.
- The Closing – Satisfy, Then Extend
- Provide a clear takeaway or principle.
- Offer a “next curiosity”—a thought-provoking final question, eg., if this worked here, what else might we be underestimating?
- End with a memorable call to action or insight.
Example: Curiosity Curve in Action
Topic: Leading Change in Uncertain Times
|
Stage |
Curiosity Tool |
Example |
|
Opening |
Incomplete Story |
“In 2020, a school in Queensland faced collapse—but then they tried one thing that reversed it all…” |
|
Middle |
Breadcrumbs |
“What did they change? First, a simple daily ritual… Then, a controversial meeting approach…” |
|
Peak |
Reveal |
“They used Participatory Facilitation. Here’s how it unlocked trust.” |
|
Closing |
Next Curiosity |
“What if your team already has the solution—but doesn’t know it yet?” |
(main source: Jeff Wetzler, 2025)