You cannot share the Good News until you get someone’s attention.
“Man bites dog”? That’s an old journalistic expression.
It’s not news if a dog bites a man, but it’s a front-page story if a man bites a dog. That’s the sort of story that gets attention.
In today’s digital age, attention is a scarce commodity. According to the Nielsen Norman Group, which specializes in the digital user experience, you have as little as 10–20 seconds to capture a reader’s attention with web content.
It can be even worse with books. Anecdotal data says that literary agents often expect the first page — sometimes even the first sentence — to grab their attention. Most readers would agree. This underscores the importance of a strong opening.
A compelling hook is essential to draw readers in and keep them engaged.
I learned that years ago from Bob Walker, publisher of the largest circulation independent Christian magazine in the world. I was an editor there and also frequently wrote feature stories. I edited the work of others, but Bob edited my work.
The first thing he would do would be to slash my ledes. I learned they had to be sharp, short, and fascinating enough to engage people and keep them reading.
In journalism, the opening sentence or short paragraph that summarizes the story and captures the reader’s attention is the “lead-in” or the “lead.” Today, newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets use this alternate spelling: “lede.” Either way, it is how writers “hook” their readers and draw them into the story.
The Worst Way to Start a Sermon, Book Chapter, or Blog Post
What is the worst possible hook for a Christian writer? It is starting with a Bible passage. The second is Bible references.
Your book or blog post is not the opening to a church service. Your readers are not a captive audience. You must offer some honey before you direct them to the meat. Eliminate all Bible references until after you have hooked readers.
Even preachers should never start with a Bible passage. Engage people first, then take them them to the Bible passage.
The Best Ledes to Grab Reader or Listener Attention
Here are some ways to create hooks for both book chapters (or sections) and blog posts. They are important for pastors to use in sermons too.
Start with a Question or a Problem
One of the best ways to grab readers’ attention is to pose a question or present a problem they can relate to. This could be a hypothetical question, such as, “What would you do if Jesus invited you to lunch?”
Or it could be a real-world problem, such as “How can we solve the issue of anti-Christian bigotry?”
Starting with a question or problem creates a sense of curiosity and intrigue that compels readers to keep reading.
Use a Surprising Fact or Statistic
Did you know the global rate for washing hands after using the toilet is under 20 percent? It’s true! That kind of surprising fact or statistic challenges readers’ assumptions or beliefs. This immediately captures a reader’s attention and encourages them to read on to learn more.
Where do you find such facts to adapt to your writing? I have a browser folder labeled “Odd stories.” I collect attention-grabbing facts and statistics and dip into them when needed. Some of my favorite resources include Reader’s Digest Weird Facts and the 16 categories of offbeat facts found here. See this HuffPost feature if you want access to weird happenings in the latest news.
There are many hundreds of these “factoid” sites on the web. The problem is they can become massive time wasters if we linger on them.
Use Segues Effectively
The hook you use in all writing (other than news stories) does not need to relate to your written content. A writer uses the hook to attract reader interest and then transfers that interest to the story. That connecting part is called a “segue.” That is defined as “A transition without interruption from one activity, topic, scene, or part to another.”
Learning to write good segues is a vital writing skill.
How did I start this section? With a handwashing factoid! Here is my segue: “That kind of surprising fact or statistic challenges readers’ assumptions or beliefs.” Then I led you here. You gain reader trust when you write good segues.
Use Quotes or Expert Opinions
Incorporating quotes or expert opinions into your writing can lend credibility to your writing as well as give your readers a fresh perspective on a particular topic.
By starting with a quote or expert opinion, you immediately capture readers’ attention and encourage them to continue to see how the quote or opinion is relevant to the rest of the story.
One of the important tricks about using expert quotes is the segue. You can smoothly transition from the quote to your own content by agreeing or disagreeing with the authority and explaining why. Your response can be the heart of your blog post or book chapter.
Tell a Story
Humans are hardwired to respond to stories, so incorporating storytelling into your writing is a great way to grab readers’ attention. Whether telling a personal anecdote or weaving a narrative around a particular topic, storytelling can be a powerful tool for engaging readers and holding their interest.
Did my little true story about my interactions with Bob Walker keep you reading a little longer?
Stories don’t always have to be true. You may want to recycle a story you read or heard. Typically, you can start such stories with, “A friend told me.…” or, “I heard about….” It is perfectly okay to rewrite existing anecdotes and make them your own.
Use Humor
Humor is another effective way to grab readers’ attention and connect with them. A well-placed joke or witty comment can make your writing more relatable and engaging, whether you’re using sarcasm, irony, or self-deprecating humor.
Humor is the most challenging hook, so it’s essential to use it in moderation and that it’s appropriate for your audience and the topic you’re writing about. I have gotten in trouble for making witty remarks on Facebook and other places. Even a smiley face emoji did not seem to quell the mob.
You need to know your audience, or they need to know you, for them to be able to identify the fact you are trying to be funny.
My advice is to use humor sparingly in Christian writing. It is most effective when it is part of the personality of a fictional character. Otherwise, tread lightly.
The Takeaway
Start crafting hooks in all your writing. They are effective at getting people involved at the beginning. But don’t forget to plant hooks in your chapters or blog posts to keep readers engaged.
Whether starting with a question or problem, using statistics, or quoting an authority, the key is creating a sense of curiosity, intrigue, and connection with your readers. By mastering the art of the hook, you can ensure that your writing captures the reader’s attention and keeps them engaged from beginning to end.
Sources cited:
Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).
