Why hooks and endings matter

• A sharp hook sets focus in the first 5 to 8 seconds.
• A clear ending proves structure and raises coherence.
• Together they reduce fillers and help you reach 1 to 2 minutes smoothly.

Golden rules

Hook

• One sentence, 6 to 12 words, clear angle, no long story.
• Include the cue words and one strong detail.
  Ending
• One sentence, 8 to 15 words, link back to topic.
• Add a result, feeling, or future plan.

Six reliable hook styles with templates

1. Snapshot
   “Last winter in Sylhet I found a quiet tea trail.”
   Use for places or trips.
2. Reason first
   “I value this habit because it calms my mind.”
   Use for activities.
3. Number lead
   “I have two reasons this person inspires me.”
   Use for people or experiences.
4. Mini contrast
   “Small device, big impact on my daily budget.”
   Use for objects or apps.
5. Problem to solution
   “I was lost in Dhaka traffic until I tried the metro.”
   Use for events or changes.
6. Moment in time
   “On 14 April at TSC everything felt electric.”
   Use for festivals.

Ending types that score

1. Summary
   “In short, it improved my time management.”
2. Lesson
   “Overall, it taught me patient planning.”
3. Future plan
   “Next winter I will go again with my parents.”
4. Recommendation
   “I think more students should try this workshop.”
5. Change in me
   “Since then I speak with more confidence.”
6. Gratitude
   “I am grateful for the support my teacher gave.”

BD friendly samples by topic

Person
Hook: “My uncle in Rajshahi shaped my study habits.”
Ending: “Because of him I read daily, even during exams.”

Place
Hook: “Srimangal’s tea hills felt like a green ocean.”
Ending: “I plan to return and explore Lawachara next time.”

Event
Hook: “During Pahela Baishakh I joined a campus parade.”
Ending: “It reminded me that tradition can unite strangers.”

Object
Hook: “This bKash app changed how I manage bills.”
Ending: “It saves time, so I can study without stress.”

Activity
Hook: “Night cycling around Hatirjheel clears my head.”
Ending: “I will keep it weekly to stay healthy and calm.”

Hook and ending bank

Hook starters

• “Last summer in Cox’s Bazar I learned something simple.”
• “A short course at my university changed my plan.”
• “This old photo on my desk tells a story.”
• “Two decisions helped me finish that project.”
• “A quiet library corner became my best classroom.”

Ending starters

• “That is why it still matters to me.”
• “From that day I made a small rule.”
• “If I get the chance, I will repeat it.”
• “It was a small step with a big outcome.”
• “That memory still guides my choices.”

Hook to body handoff lines

• “To give some background, it happened in…”
• “First, the setting was…”
• “Let me share three short points.”
  Use one, then move into Point 1.

Timing map inside 2 minutes

• Hook: 6 to 8 seconds
• Body Point 1: 25 seconds
• Body Point 2: 25 seconds
• Body Point 3: 25 seconds
• Ending: 8 to 12 seconds

Keep one mini pause at each point change.

Voice and rhythm tips

• Stress one key word in the hook and one in the ending.
  “SrimanGAL felt like a GREEN ocean.”
  “I will REturn with my PARe nts.”
• Use a gentle rise in the hook and a falling tone at the end.

Full model with hook and ending

Cue: Describe a place you visited
Hook: “Srimangal surprised me with quiet roads and endless tea fields.”
Body: When and with whom, cycling path, tea tasting, friendly locals, one delay on the return train and what I learned about planning buffers.
Ending: “Overall, that short trip reset my energy and focus.”

Common mistakes and quick fixes

• Vague hook: add time or place.
• Story starts in the hook: keep it for the body.
• Ending repeats facts: add lesson or future plan.
• No link to cue words: echo the topic in the last line.

Micro drills

1) Hook lab - 3 angles, 30 seconds
Write three different hooks for one cue: time angle, number angle, contrast angle.

2) End it clean - 10 lines
Write 10 endings using the six types. Read them with a final falling tone.

3) Echo test
Say hook and ending back to back. Do they match the cue words

4) Record and cap
Capitalize one key word in the hook and one in the ending. Record and check if the stress is clear.

7 day practice plan

• Day 1: Make 20 hooks for mixed cues. Keep each under 12 words.
• Day 2: Write 20 endings. Use all six types at least twice.
• Day 3: Pair 10 hooks with matching endings. Record.
• Day 4: Add body points to five pairs and speak 2 minutes.
• Day 5: Swap endings across topics while keeping logic.
• Day 6: Peer check. Ask if the hook predicts the ending.
• Day 7: Full mock. Replace any weak hook or ending.

Mini worksheet

Choose one cue card.

1. Write one hook using a style from the list.
2. List three body points with one number and one feeling.
3. Write one ending that shows lesson or plan.
4. Record and time yourself. Adjust length to fit the map.

Quick checklist

• Hook is one sentence with a clear angle.
• Ending links to the cue and adds value.
• Body follows the promise of the hook.
• One stressed keyword in hook and ending.
• Total time 1 to 2 minutes without rushing.

Your next step
Pick three old cue cards. Rewrite only the hook and ending, then speak for 2 minutes. You will feel more control, cleaner structure, and a stronger final impression.