I cringe when I hear friends and colleagues deliver a flat unimaginative presentation or article. I know these individuals have lots of great information to share, but it falls flat when they deliver it without giving the audience any foundation to build upon or way to relate to the materials.Metaphors help to build a bridge between a complex subject and a novice’s understanding. They give a framework for the listener to plug in to and are learning devices to remember content. In my example above, everyone in the audience knows sushi and can see it as a desirable object. Also, metaphors can suggest good graphics that make more interesting presentations.You do not have to be a walking metaphor machine to use this technique effectively. Rather — come up with a couple and use them well. Below are a few that can be used broadly to convey process, concepts, group dynamic or mechanics. |
Keeping a couple of metaphor cards in your back pocket can be a saving grace |
As my earlier blog posts, co workers and friends will tell you, I use these metaphors a lot and can almost always tie an explanation or answer to them. However, there are many more that you can use: preparing a meal, visiting a zoo, an archeological site, a museum, a physical city infrastructure . . .
The key is to get creative and identify some that work for you. Whether you walk around with metaphors falling out of your backpack or use this technique the next time you have to explain something to someone . . . work to identify a symbol, process or outcome that your audience can relate to and build the bridge from that shared understanding to your content. |