· Jane Doe · Storytelling · 2 min read
Setting the Hook - The Power of the Opening Scene
Discover how to grab your audience’s attention from the very first moment, with lessons from cinema, art, and business.
“The most important thing about a story is the beginning. If you don’t hook your audience in the first 30 seconds, you might lose them.”
—Andrew Stanton
The Opening Scene: Your First, Best Chance
Think of your favorite movie. Chances are, it grabbed your attention right away. The opening scene sets the tone, raises questions, and invites us into a new world.
Example: Inception (Film)
Christopher Nolan’s Inception starts with a man washed up on a shore, a gun, and a mysterious fortress. We don’t know what’s happening, but we’re instantly curious. The audience is hooked by the mystery.
Example: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (Song)
The song begins with a haunting a cappella question: “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” Instantly, we’re drawn in, wondering what comes next.
Example: Apple’s “1984” Commercial (Business)
In just 60 seconds, Apple’s Super Bowl ad created a world, a villain, and a hero, setting the stage for the launch of the Macintosh. The ad is legendary because it hooked the audience from the first frame.
Applying the Hook in Business
- Start with a question or problem. Open your presentation with a story, not a stat.
- Show stakes right away. Let your audience know why they should care.
- Be unexpected. Surprise your listeners—a twist, a bold claim, a vivid image.
Try This
Next time you pitch or present, begin with a story or a question that frames your message. Don’t just announce your product; set the scene for why it matters.
Next up: Characters that Lead Us: Building Empathy Like in Movies →
