Quick tip: Use memory hooks

Think of the listener’s mind as a smooth marble ball. When you speak, most ideas slide off. Your audience may be ‘aware’ of what you are saying, but the information is not sticking.

Solution: personalise your examples by connecting with something already in the mind. This will act like a hook for your ideas.
Memory hooks can be things people relate to or even physical actions. You might choose to act out a ‘common life experience’ like answering a mobile phone to hear the good news, or buying something.
Engaging your audience in these ways makes your topic seem more familiar and makes it easier for them to relate to you and your story.
Good hooks include:

  • Common life experiences (we sleep, eat, wake up, buy things, use phones, etc)
  • Work (good bosses, bad bosses, starting a job, going for new role, etc)
  • Relationship examples (s/he doesn’t get it, starting, ending, kids, birthdays, etc)
  • Family (pick your problem!)
  • Movies (it’s like in … when Brad Pitt says…)
  • Famous people
  • Famous events
  • Location (ie; hometown, landmark)
  • Past or current work
  • Brand names / popular culture