Are you speaking with analogies?
Your Public Speaking Compass.
This is like that; if you can see this, you will remember that.
Ah, analogies!
In the grand forest of public speaking, analogies can be your trusted compass, guiding you through the dense, often murky woods of communication.
But why, you may ask? Well, because analogies transform your complex thoughts, ideas, or messages into familiar landmarks, helping your audience navigate unfamiliar territories.
They help to clarify and create a lasting impression that sticks around like an unforgettable tune.
Making the Unfamiliar, Familiar
Isn’t it frustrating when you’re trying to get the point across, and all you receive are blank stares? You know, like you’re speaking in an alien language? Ah, we’ve all been there. But the solution can be simple.
Think of it this way: you’re a tour guide leading your audience through a fascinating yet somewhat unfamiliar landscape of ideas. Now, wouldn’t it be easier if you could point out signs they recognize? Of course!
That’s what analogies do — they connect the unfamiliar with the familiar, making your audience go, “Oh, I get it now!” instead of “Huh?”
Let’s say you’re talking about neuroscience. Instead of saying, “Neurons communicate through synapses,” you could say, “Neurons are like birds in the forest, tweeting messages to one another.” Voila, you just made neuroscience relatable!
I use some examples with my clients when explaining how public speaking works. Notice that I apply the same analogy for various purposes:
Public Speaking is like…
“a bridge between what you think and how you say it.” (Analogy for the internal process)
“a bridge between what is your message and what’s in it for your audience.” (Analogy for structure)
“a bridge between clarity and connection.” (Analogy for content)
You can see the bridge and fully understand the route from point A to B. It’s a simple, familiar analogy that is often neglected in speaking.
Crafting An Effective Analogy
Crafting an effective analogy is like searching for the perfect trail marker in the forest — it must be recognizable and relevant, showing the way without confusing the wanderer. It takes some trial and error, but once you get it right, it’s oh-so-satisfying.
I got this analogy while reading “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson to my daughter. So, keep a high level of awareness to spot good analogies, and always think about what would resonate with your audience.
- What situations do they encounter daily?
- What emotions do they frequently feel?
- What is the everyday object they use but take for granted?
Once you’ve considered these aspects, you can place your trail markers effectively, guiding your audience through the deep dark wood of ideas.
The Firefly Effect
Now, here comes the fun science bit. When your audience hears an analogy, it’s like a swarm of fireflies lighting up their minds. Their sensory cortex — responsible for vision, sound, touch, taste, and smell — gets triggered, and your message becomes memorable and emotionally impactful. They don’t merely hear your words; they feel them in their bones.
Your power as a communicator is not merely to show them the mountain peak. It’s about placing them on top, so they feel the cold wind whipping against their faces.
With analogies, you can do that!
Got Burning Questions?
Here are some frequently asked questions you might have about using analogies in public speaking. If you’ve got more, let me know.
- Multiple analogies: A do or a don’t? Absolutely! However, it’s crucial not to clutter your message. Analogies should guide, not confuse. My rule is that you can have one analogy for each main point you are making. You can also alternate between stories and some activities.
- What if I can’t think of an analogy? Sometimes, you need to step back and let nature do its work. To master the art of analogies, practice by turning anything intriguing you encounter into an analogy and record it so you can use it in the future. (I will write a separate post on the importance of having a “Speaking Vault” where you organize your observations and ideas) Also, you can read one of my previous articles, “You thrive when you trim,” and see how to turn something trivial into a meaningful analogy.
- Can I use humorous analogies in a serious presentation? Absolutely! Humor can be a powerful tool when used appropriately. Just ensure your analogy resonates with your audience. For example, if you’re speaking to a group of executives who pride themselves on their watches, could you relate ‘watches,’ ‘time,’ or ‘elegance’ to your main point?
- How do I know if my analogy works? Check out your audience’s reactions — the nods of agreement, the smiles, their focused attention. But the actual proof? When they’re still talking about your analogy months or even years later! (2 years ago, I delivered a talk on communication to a group of professionals. This year, they invited me to speak on a different topic. Before I even took the stage, they started repeating my 2-years old analogies. That’s how you know you’ve got something unforgettable.)
- Should I use visual aids? A resounding yes! Just ensure they’re relevant. Visuals don’t replace your analogy but reinforce it.
So, there you have it.
Don’t wait for your next talk or presentation. Get those creative juices flowing, and harness the power of analogies! When you are on stage, you won’t need to remember everything: Only that this is like that.
If your audience can see it, you and your message will be unforgettable.
If you enjoyed this article, follow and connect with Leopold Ajami on Linkedin.
Leopold is a Creative & Strategic Consultant and a Public Speaking/Communication Coach. He’s the Founder of Novel Philosophy, a professional coaching academy for future leaders.
Additional Resources:
Check out Leopold’s Podcast: Ideas On Trial.
Read this recent article on the art of clarity: Decoding Clarity
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