The Hook Formula: Grabbing Attention in 8 Seconds or Less

Our Attention Span Is Shorter Than a Goldfish

The attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds.

Meanwhile, studies show that humans have an attention span of just 8 seconds.

8 seconds.

That’s all it takes for someone to decide:
“I’m in.” — or — “I’m out.”

Now, imagine this:

You step on stage, start talking, and 8 seconds later, half the room pulls out their phones and starts scrolling.

How would you feel?

Embarrassed?
Frustrated?
Like you’ve already lost them?

Here’s the truth: it’s not your fault.

Digital distractions have overwhelmed the human brain and reduced our ability to focus.

But unlike goldfish, humans don’t lose attention forever.
If you hook them in those first 8 seconds, they’ll stay with you.

So, how do you grab your audience’s attention and keep it?

To do that you need a formula.

Here’s one that works almost every time:
Curiosity → Story → Cliffhanger

Start with a thought-provoking sentence or question that grabs attention and makes your audience wonder.

Example: “Did you know most businesses get one thing wrong about sales?”

Then follow up with a personal or relatable story to create an emotional connection.

Example: “I lost $130,000 in commissions in a single pitch because of that mistake.”

Finaly, end your intro with a cliffhanger. A statement that leaves your audience hanging and eager to hear more.

Example: “And it’s probably costing YOU more than that over your career.”

Of course, this formula isn’t the only way to start a speech, an email, or any marketing communication.

But it’s a sure-fire way to grab attention, and it works almost every time.

How about you?

Do you have a preferred way of hooking your audience?

Mo