Today you will

• make a practice deck with a hook, a link and a clear ask
• add one device like these to your piece
• cut anything that is only decoration

You'll work on your Format 1 or Format 2 piece in {{code:09_specialism/sm2}}.

A hook is the opening line, question or picture that makes people keep watching. In a short video, it goes in the first three seconds.

A call to action (CTA) is a clear ask at the end that tells the audience what to do next.

The cut rule means that if a device doesn't help your audience, you delete it.

Example hook

"Your club loses money every wet Saturday. Here is a 90-second fix." It beats starting with "Hi, my name is..."

You will make a three-slide practice deck with a hook, a link and a call to action. Do this deck first, even if your own piece is a video.

Copy the lines from the box below. Then follow the steps and tick each one.

Common snags

• My hook starts with my name. Move your name to a corner and lead with the audience's problem.
• The link does nothing. Links only work in Slideshow, so start the slideshow and click it there.
• My slides feel messy. Keep one device that helps your audience and delete the rest.