The Hook
Probably the most dreadful course I had to take in college was a mandatory writing and speaking class called Communications . I dreaded it because writing and public speaking have always been my least comfortable skills. I kept thinking, I'm studying medicine, why do I need this course? The one thing I remember most from that class, however, is a concept called “the hook.” A hook is usually the opening lines of a speech or piece of writing that grabs the audience's attention. It grabs the reader’s or listener’s attention by introducing something unexpected or surprising, making them focus on you. This brief moment is the author’s opportunity to make a memorable impression and help the audience remember the message they want to share. It felt like the entire semester was devoted to mastering the art of writing and speaking compelling “hooks”. It took years for me to realize, to my surprise, that God—an expert communicator—often communicates with us in a similar way. He captu...
