What is a hook?

Question

I'm doing a speech and i need to write down a hook for the introduction

Answer 1

The hook in a speech is an attention getter - something that gets your audience's attention and makes them want to listen to the rest of the speech. Some different attention getters you can use are stories (humorous, serious, personal, etc)/anecdotes, statistics, rhetorical questions, shocking statements, or quotes (among others). There's a lot of stuff you could come up with, but what you should use depends on the kind of speech you're writing and the subject of your speech. Some people are really good and can use any kind of hook in any kind of speech; it just takes some practice in the writing area. (I get some crazy hook ideas sometimes. I love writing speeches! It's the presenting I don't like...) I know about this kind of stuff because I'm in speech and debate at school, and the competitions can get pretty dang competitive! You have to spend a lot of time on those speeches if you want to get anywhere in competition (and if you really want your prospective audience to listen). Anyway, if you still need help with an idea, e-mail me or something and tell me what kind of speech you're doing and what it's about. I could give several options (maybe), and then you could choose, and then you'd get a better idea of what a hook is and you'd be able to write really good ones yourself. :)

To the guy above me: The millionaire thing might not work because first, it's kinda old, and second, it doesn't fit for every kind of speech (The topic may be something that has nothing even remotely to do with millionaires, and that's one of those cases when it wouldn't fit).

Answer 2

You know how boring most speeches are? Some just start of so good you listen to the whole thing with pleasure...you have been hooked. The Hook is the first line that gets peoples attention.

How about: "Before this speech is over, one of you will be a millionaire."

Answer 3

It's a statement that 'hooks' your audience, & makes them curious/interested in what you are going to say. It doesn't have to be terribly clever; the best 'hook' comes naturally from your introduction. It can be a question for the audience to consider,
or a short anecdote (real-life story) that relates to your topic. Keep it light. This works best if you can tie in the story to your conclusion.

It could be your explanation of why you chose the topic: You can persuade someone that they want to hear about this topic by telling them why you wanted to talk about it.

Answer 4

A one-line intro meant to catch the reader/listeners attention.

Answer 5

something to draw the reader in and make them read more of your paper.