attentiongetters

An attention getter, also known as a hook or lead, is the opening element of a speech or piece of writing designed to capture the audience’s interest and invite them to read or listen further. Its purpose is to establish relevance, set the tone, and provide a smooth bridge to the main thesis or argument.

Common forms include: questions, startling statistics, short anecdotes, quotations, vivid descriptions, paradoxes, bold or contrarian claims, humor, or a concise definition that reframes the topic.

An effective opener should be relevant to the topic and audience, suit the intended tone, and lead smoothly into the thesis. It should be concise, accurate, and avoid misleading statements or sensationalism. The hook often functions as a promise about what follows.

Different genres raise different expectations: essays and reports favor clarity and relevance, persuasive speeches may rely on emotion or challenge, while journalism uses a lede that highlights the main point.

Common pitfalls include clichés, overlong openings, misalignment with content, or openings that misrepresent the topic. Effective attention getters are typically revised during drafting to improve coherence with the thesis and overall structure.