When you deliver a presentation, how do you ensure that your points come across in a juicy and engaging way?
You might invite your listeners to the party with the use of stories, but you can also consider the shorter, more compact cousin of the story: analogies. An analogy compares two dissimilar things to illustrate their common elements and highlight a specific point.
One of the most famous analogies in popular culture was uttered by Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get.”
The meaning is clear, an image is formed, an important message is conveyed… and it’s remembered.
Using analogies can:
- Clarify new concepts
- Simplify overly technical information
- Help audiences relate to your information
- Enhance retention
If you’re not a philosopher, like Forrest Gump, how can you incorporate analogies into your talks?
Here is a 6-step process to create your own analogies:
- Identify the challenging concept or information you want to explain via analogy.
- Consider topics that are well-known to your audience, for instance: sports, popular TV shows, food, weather, etc.
- Brainstorm. What does this topic relate to in real life?
- Select your comparison topic.
- List the ways the two topics are alike.
- Experiment with the best way to describe the comparison.
Here are a couple more analogies that really got the point across:
Commenting on the decision by Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer to abolish telecommuting, Ellen Kossek, Basil S. Turner Distinguished Professor at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management, was quoted as saying, “Abolishing telework is like canceling the prom because some immature people spiked the punch bowl.“
This analogy makes an impact because it’s visual, relevant, and memorable! It’s something that sticks in the mind and is likely to be repeated. (Interestingly, this quote is from several years ago, but has taken on new relevance!)
“Withdrawal of U.S. troops will become like salted peanuts to the American public; the more U.S. troops come home, the more will be demanded.” – Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in a memo to then President Richard Nixon
This example takes two completely disparate items to enhance a listener’s understanding of the first item. We get the point, in a few well-chosen and concise words.
Does your team need to enhance their ability to be clear, concise, and compelling? Contact us and request information on BRODY’s Clear and Compelling Communication program.