How do you grab your listener's attention with a hook?

I'm fishing for your attention, people! And I just used a hook. A "hook" is an attention grabbing opening line. For example, when I launched my "Storytelling in Business" workshop here, I opened the workshop with this line - "It took you an hour to get here but it has taken me 18 years to reach here". It made everyone curious about what I was going to say next and I had everyone's attention for my story.

I've been trying to get better at opening my articles with hooks beyond just generic introductions. Relevant and surprising work well for me, like starting reviews with a unique perspective on the product versus just a basic description. I always have to kill off my darlings, cutting unnecessary setup details even when they sound clever to me. My hooks have gotten way stronger when I force concision, get right to the intriguing point quickly, and connect it to readers' interests. Though my intros are still a work in progress, focusing on crafting dynamic hooks has already made my writing much more compelling overall! Now I just need to avoid slipping back into lazy openings just to get the draft started.

A hook is not a device. It's how you do a thing. The best way to hook your audience is by jumping right into the action. Don't tell them you're going to tell them a story. Just start telling it. Don't tell them you want to ask them a question. Ask it. Cut the preamble fluff and get to the meat. That's how you hook them.

Using great hooks in your career stories can be a superpower. (and here's why) You'll stand out in interviews ↳ as you grab their attention from the onset You'll build the trust you need to influence ↳ as they envision what life is like working with you They'll stay engaged and curious ↳ as you move them through a story arc Here are a few opening hook ideas for the dreaded interview question, "Tell me about you?" Hook: I think of my career as the ultimate reinvention story with three chapters. Looking for hook ideas? Try an analogy, a meaningful quote, or humor.

I hate the imagery of a HOOK 🪝and the mindset it creates. We use a hook to trick a fish, so we can pull it out of water to a place where it can't breathe and doesn't want to be. That's not how I treat my audience. Instead, I think of their attention as a lit match. Hot, but brief. My content is fireworks. My opening lines are a fuse. When their attention touches my content great things happen. They enjoy the show, remember it, and are made better for it. No tricks. Just sparkle. 🎇

You absolutely have to get eyes on your message. But, if you are only competing for attention, you'll lose. You have to quickly convert attention into interest to make you audience want to continue giving their attention to your message. I teach Storybuilders in my course to start by teasing a moment of change and promising a lesson in the first few seconds of a story. If I can get my audience to attach my story to something they are already interested in, I don't have to compete for attention.

Na era digital, onde a atenção é um recurso escasso e altamente disputado, um gancho eficiente torna-se um instrumento essencial na arte de contar histórias. Ele serve como um convite cativante, incentivando o ouvinte a mergulhar profundamente em sua história. Mais do que capturar a atenção, um gancho eficaz estabelece um elo emocional, sinalizando ao ouvinte que o que vem a seguir é não apenas interessante, mas significativo e relevante para suas experiências ou aspirações. Desta forma, um gancho não é apenas uma estratégia narrativa; é um elemento essencial para criar uma conexão genuína e duradoura com seu público.

Have you thought why TED Talks are so engaging? One "secret" is they use a hook based on making an emotional connection with the audience. Many TED Talks aim to connect with the audience on an emotional level, whether it's through humor, empathy, inspiration, or even provoking outrage. This emotional connection is a powerful tool for engagement. The second "secret" is compelling storytelling or "ideas worth spreading". TED speakers often use powerful storytelling techniques. They craft narratives that are relatable, emotionally resonant, and memorable. Storytelling helps to humanize complex topics and makes them more accessible to a broad audience.

Stories can induce the release of dopamine (through suspense), oxytocin (through sad or personal stories) and endorphins (through humour), which in turn evoke emotions. This is what makes storytelling such a powerful thing. In my view, the hook serves to make the audience willing to open themselves up towards feeling those emotions.

In today's fast-paced world with numerous distractions, a strong hook is essential for capturing and retaining the listener's attention amidst competing stimuli. A compelling hook establishes an emotional connection with the audience, making them more receptive to the rest of your message.

Finding the right hook is oftentimes the hardest part in creating a story. My "trick" is drafting the rest of the story and only then going back to the beginning. This takes pressure off one's shoulders. Once you know what you wish to say, what the story really is about, finding the right beginning comes naturally.

Here are two hooks that I love: Hook #1: Jump into Action Start your story right into the action (with forward momentum). Make your character do something, whether it’s stepping, walking, shouting, biking. Example: "I stood in front in front of manager’s door, took a big breath, and knocked three times. Slowly I opened the door. As I walk in, I see my manager and the head of HR. Immediately knew that this wasn’t good.” Hook #2: Start with Dialogue Share the exact words that were used in a crucial moment of your story. Example: “‘Mom, I have something to tell you,’ I said, my voice trembling with nervousness. And with those words, I began the conversation that would change everything."

Let's consider a healthcare story to illustrate how to find a hook by answering the key questions: Main Message: The story is about the impact of telemedicine in rural areas. Purpose or Goal: To highlight how telemedicine has transformed healthcare accessibility and quality in remote communities. Problem or Conflict Addressed: The story addresses the challenge of providing quality healthcare to remote and underserved areas. Emotion or Feeling to Evoke: Inspiration and hope about the possibilities of technology in bridging healthcare gaps. Putting it all together, despite limited resources, a remote village now has access to world-class medical consultation, drastically reducing disease mismanagement and improving community health outcomes.

To grab your listener's attention in storytelling, employ a compelling hook. Start with an intriguing question, a bold statement, or a relevant anecdote. Create vivid imagery, present a contradiction, invoke emotion, or use humor strategically. Starting in medias res or posing a challenge adds immediacy and engagement. Incorporate a relevant quote, create mystery, or use shock or surprise to captivate your audience from the outset. The key is to generate curiosity and set the stage for the narrative.

Discover the element that grabs your audience's attention and makes them want more. Sometimes, experimenting with different ideas and asking for feedback can help you identify the most compelling hook for your story.

Struggling to write a hook that will connect with your audience on an emotional level? Try using the word 'you' in your intro (or 'your,' like I just did!). It subconsciously signals that the article is for your reader, not just an anonymous individual.

I usually finish writing the article and then zero down on the single most important thematic communication that I want to the reader to take away with them. Usually, my process is to create an intrigue which sometimes, comes with a burning question and other times, through a twisted headline. Recently, I wrote an article with the headline - 3 Ways Drinking Alcohol Made my Friend a Rich Writer - it's intriguing! Sure, the article is about the mindset reframe from being an addict to creating a healthy habit, but that sounds preachy and nobody likes preachy stuff. So making it sound exciting, twisted works in the favor of the story and also lets the reader smoothly into the material with a dramatic intrigue to curb their curiosity.

When writing your hook, think about how to make it simple and relatable. Use everyday language that resonates with your audience, and include vivid details or stories that paint a clear picture in their minds.

So, grabbing your audience's attention is like reeling in a big fish – you need a killer hook. For me, it's all about hitting them in the feels or sparking their curiosity. Throw them into a relatable situation, make 'em laugh, or leave 'em hanging with a crazy scenario. It's like the start of a wild rollercoaster ride – you want them buckled up and ready for whatever comes next. So, when you're slinging that hook, aim for the heart or the head – emotions or curiosity. That's the sweet spot.

Start your story as late as possible. Try beginning your story with the moment just before everything shifts. This can help you find your hook. You can always rewind and tell viewers what led up to this moment after you've hooked them into the time / place / problem / mindset you want them to be.

Indeed it’s true that your hook is the first thing that will grab reader’s attention Before presenting your hook to your readers make sure it interesting to you in the place of a reader Check it if kindles curiosity and thought provoking by reading it aloud Ask for feedback if it’s interesting From your friends and fellow writers Experiment and learn what kind of hook is interesting to your readers

My favourite way to test hooks is with family & friends. Start your story with a certain hook and see what resonates. Test & iterate friend by friend and use the hook that worked best in your final piece

Para testar um gancho, pense em um jantar com amigos. Primeiro, compartilhe o gancho como se fosse uma história casual e observe suas reações. Seus olhos brilham? Eles pedem mais? Isso é um bom sinal. Também, por que não postar nas redes sociais como um teaser e ver quantas pessoas mordem a isca? Se os comentários e curtidas surgirem, você saberá que está no caminho certo. E lembre-se, às vezes, um bom gancho precisa de um pouco de ajuste, então não tenha medo de mexer nele até sentir aquela faísca de conexão.

If you are confused between two or more hooks, you can try A/B testing. You will get real insights of which hook resonates better with the audience and matches with your story. Also another way to test the hook is by asking a few people around you for their views. Feedback always helps!

I always like to quickly memorise the introductory paragraph and tell it to a colleague over lunch or during a coffee break. You can then ask if they (firstly) would be interested in hearing more about it and (secondly) what they think what the rest of the story could be. The first is important to know if you have the right writing style and the second is an useful way to find out if you triggered the right questions among your audience(s).

There is a thin line... And you shouldn't ever cross it! Know the difference between a hook and clickbait! You want to create enough suspense for them to read ahead BUT also not keeping your hook irrelevant to the story! Don't be the over-sensational Hollywood gossip news headline...

Your, smile, presence, appearance, and charisma is the first hook with your audience, and from the first seconds, reflect self confidence to attract attention. Then you have to choose a catchy title, don't give direct statements, start with sentences that creates eagerness in your audience to know more about your topic. How do you find this sentence, think of the following two points: 1. If you had to summarize your speech into a single sentence, what would that be? 2. If your audience could leave remembering only one thing, what would that be?

Stand in front of the crowd and scan the room for a few seconds. Control your breathing pattern, smile, chest up and stand tall. Get the audience to look at you for a few seconds and then begin your hook. Before you speak, consider identifying some happy faces in the crowd and draw energy from them.

Believe in your story and think about your delivery! The right hook can attract some interest, but if you display the right emotions that fit the story while sharing it, you will gain even more. If you don't tell your story with confidence, you may end up as someone who tries to retell a joke he has heard.. that usually doesn't work either.

Take a look at your delivery - how you dish it out can make a big difference. Be yourself; your hook should vibe with your personality and the overall feel of your message. Tailor it to your audience, considering what floats their boat. Timing is everything; drop your hook when it'll make the biggest impact. And don't forget to read the room; be ready to tweak your hook based on how your audience reacts. It's not just about snatching attention; it's about keeping it with a hook that really connects.