My favourite way to do a hook is to give a quick description, like the opening bit of a Buffy episode or whatever, then switch to the characters. I'll get them to tell me what they're doing and why they're there. It's the default start up for tales from the loop, and I find it works great in 5e.
Most players will be nervous at first, but it really gets them in the RP mood. You'll find by the end they'll almost make a reason for their characters to be nearby / in the same space by just riffing off of one another. This sets you up for an easy and dramatic event to kick the adventure off.
My favourite way to do a hook is to give a quick description, like the opening bit of a Buffy episode or whatever, then switch to the characters. I'll get them to tell me what they're doing and why they're there. It's the default start up for tales from the loop, and I find it works great in 5e. Most players will be nervous at first, but it really gets them in the RP mood. You'll find by the end they'll almost make a reason for their characters to be nearby / in the same space by just riffing off of one another. This sets you up for an easy and dramatic event to kick the adventure off.