Lesson 4: Script Basics: Hook, Key Moments & Ending

Why this lesson matters

A good story isn’t “long” — it’s clear. This lesson helps you turn your idea into a simple script with:

• a Hook (the first 5–10 seconds that grabs attention),
• Key Moments (the scenes that carry your message),
• and a strong Ending (what you want the audience to feel/do).

By the end, you’ll have a script outline you can easily storyboard and film later.

Learning goals

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Write a short hook that introduces your story in a powerful way
2. Identify 3–5 key moments (the “spine” of your story)
3. Create a clear ending that matches your message and audience
4. Turn your idea into a simple 1–2 minute script outline

The simple script formula (for a 1–2 minute story)

Use this structure:

1) Hook (0–10 seconds)

Your hook should make someone stop scrolling.

Common hook types (choose one):

• Question: “Have you ever…?”
• Bold statement: “This is what nobody tells you about…”
• Scene drop: Start in the middle of action (“I stood there, shaking…”)
• Quote: A line someone said to you that changed you
• Contrast: “People think X… but the truth is Y.”

Hook tip: Keep it one sentence (or two short lines).

2) Key Moments (the middle — 3 to 5 moments)

Key moments are your “story steps.” Each moment should show change or reveal meaning.

A key moment usually answers:

• What happened?
• What did I feel?
• What did I learn?
• Why does it matter?

Key Moment types you can use:

• The trigger: what started the problem or story
• The challenge: what made it hard
• The turning point: what changed (a decision, a person, a discovery)
• The proof: an example, image, quote, or detail that shows it’s real
• The growth: what you now understand or want to change

3) Ending (final 10–15 seconds)

Your ending should match your message and audience.

Pick one ending style:

• Reflection ending: “Now I realize…”
• Hope ending: “I believe we can…”
• Call-to-action: “Here’s what we can do…”
• Question ending: “What would you do if…?”
• Full circle: connect back to your hook

Ending tip: Don’t add new information at the end — close the meaning.

Script styles you can choose (mobile-friendly)

You don’t need to write like a movie writer. Choose a style that fits your voice:

Option A — Voiceover script (simple narration)

Best for: personal stories, documentaries, reflection

Example format

• Hook line
• Moment 1 (1–2 sentences)
• Moment 2 (1–2 sentences)
• Moment 3 (1–2 sentences)
• Ending line + call-to-action/reflection

Option B — Interview + voiceover (documentary style)

Best for: community stories, advocacy, change stories

Example

• Hook line
• Short interview quote (who said it + why it matters)
• Your narration connecting the dots
• Ending statement

Option C — No-talking visual story (caption-based)

Best for: short reels, photo/video montage, silent storytelling

• Hook text on screen
• 3–5 scenes
• Ending text on screen

Mini-Activity: Build your script spine (10–15 minutes)

Step 1: Write your hook (1 line)

Choose one hook type and write it.

My hook:

Step 2: Choose 3–5 key moments

Write them as short scene lines.

My key moments:

1. ______________________________________ (optional)
2. ______________________________________ (optional)

Step 3: Write your ending (1–2 lines)

Pick an ending style and write it.

My ending: