A strong start ensures your story has the attention it deserves.
Every story begins with a choice. You can grab the reader, or let them scroll past. The first lines matter because they set the tone for everything else. Whether it’s a novel, a LinkedIn post, or a video, your audience decides in seconds if it’s worth their time. I’ve learned this both as a writer and observer of AI tools. Words, prompts, and intentions all have the same role. They guide the experience. The stronger your start, the more impact your story leaves.
Recently, Sora, OpenAI’s video-generating AI, reminded me of this principle.
Sora can turn text prompts into realistic, cinematic videos. A simple line like “a dog running through the forest at sunset” becomes a full-motion clip with lighting, angles, and depth. It’s astonishing. But as I watched Sora in action, I realised that even a machine obeys the same rules as storytellers: the input determines the output. Your ideas, your words, your prompts.They all shape what people see, feel, and remember.
Then Sora made headlines for all the wrong reasons.Some users recreated deepfake videos of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., twisting his iconic speech into offensive content. His daughter, Bernice A. King, had to publicly request people stop. It was shocking, but it reinforced a critical lesson. Just because something can be created doesn’t mean it should be. Whether AI or human, stories carry responsibility. The intention behind them matters as much as the technical skill or realism of the creation.
That moment made me think about how all stories begin. Every story, whether in text, video, or conversation, starts with a single spark: a thought, a feeling, or a prompt. In Sora’s case, it’s a typed line. In our case, it’s an idea we choose to pursue. That first choice determines everything. It influences tone, direction, and how the audience interprets the message. Writers and creators have the same challenge. We build connections in the minds of our readers. Just like neurons connect when they hear repeated thoughts.
Words build pathways. Every word we choose, every sentence we write, strengthens certain neural connections in the reader’s mind. Just like our brains learn from repeated thoughts, audiences learn from repeated ideas. A positive, intentional start builds trust and focus. A careless or harmful start builds confusion or disengagement. The lesson from Sora is clear. The mechanics of creation. AI or human are less important than the intention behind it. How we begin shapes how our audience perceives, feels, and acts.
Understanding the audience is key.
A story without context falls flat. Sora can mimic realism, but it doesn’t feel. We, as humans, can add emotion, tone, and subtle cues. Observing the world around us, noticing the small details, allows us to guide our stories with purpose. When I write, I think about what my reader might notice first. What will grab their attention? What will connect emotionally? Attention and empathy guide the narrative, ensuring the first lines carry meaning.
7 lessons from Sora that every storyteller can use:
1. Prompt with purpose. Think carefully before you start.
2 .Emotion over description. Make readers feel, not just see.
3. Respect the subject. Every story affects someone.
4. Context matters. Background information strengthens clarity.
5. Integrity is key. Your intention defines your credibility.
6. Awareness guides impact. Consider how your words affect others.
7. Repeat meaningful ideas. Reinforce important concepts throughout the narrative.
Sora’s story is a mirror. It reflects what we do as storytellers. Every sentence, every image, every clip carries weight. AI may execute our prompts, but it doesn’t choose the moral, ethical, or emotional framing. That responsibility still lies with us. Technology is impactful, but human intention gives it meaning. We create patterns, connections, and experiences that audiences remember. The first line, the first idea, sets the stage for everything that follows.
Impact over mechanics. It’s tempting to focus on technical skill like flashy visuals, perfect grammar, cinematic angles. But impact comes from alignment, intention, emotion, and clarity. Sora demonstrates that realism alone doesn’t guarantee respect or resonance. The story must be guided carefully. Similarly, our written stories, blogs, or posts succeed not because of style alone, but because they communicate, connect, and guide the audience. A strong start amplifies impact exponentially.
You should take Responsibility in storytelling. Sora reminded me that creation without consideration can be harmful. Stories shape perception and influence decisions. Whether we write fiction, create videos, or craft LinkedIn posts, every output affects someone. That’s why reflection before creation is vital. Ask yourself-
What will this story teach?
How will it make people feel?
Is it respectful?
A strong start is not just attention-grabbing. It carries the weight of responsibility.
Learn from every output. Every post, article, or video teaches us something. When Sora outputs a deepfake, it highlights ethical risks. When it outputs a heartwarming scene, it shows creative potential. Human creators can learn similarly. Observe audience reactions, reflect on impact, and refine the story. Writing is iterative. Each line, each paragraph, is a micro-decision that shapes perception. By practicing awareness, we strengthen the connections we want our readers to have with our ideas.
Start intentional, stay intentional.
A strong start is only the beginning. Every paragraph, every scene, every word should reinforce the purpose. Use emotion, respect context, and repeat meaningful ideas. Like Sora turning words into videos, we turn words into experiences. The reader’s journey depends on the choices we make at the very start and sustain throughout. Small intentional actions pauses, observations, reflections guide the story toward clarity and resonance.
In the end, it’s about choice.
Sora can execute prompts, but it cannot choose morality, impact, or resonance. We can. A strong start doesn’t just capture attention. It defines the path for everything else. When you write, craft, or create, remember intention shapes output, and output shapes perception. Guide your story with care. Make your first lines meaningful. Respect the audience. Build connections. That’s how a story, human or AI-assisted, leaves a lasting impression.