An analogy is like a bridge…
Do you sometimes feel like an island when presenting your findings to stakeholders?
A bridge is between something your audience knows and the new content you are sharing with them.
By using analogies in your presentations or communication, a regular audience can fully grasp the concept of your message, and you´re much more likely to influence the direction of their thinking.
Not to mention that it helps the listener remember your message by forming an image in their mind that they can hold on to.
Use this simple formula when you would like to use an analogy:
- Say the analogy
- Relate the analogy to your topic
- Explain more if you need to
Here’s an example:
Say the analogy
Just as a chef has a recipe for a successful dish by knowing how much of each ingredient to throw in, plan out the flavors, and make any necessary changes on the fly as they “taste test” their creation. So must a company to achieve their objectives and goals.
Relate the analogy to your topic
A pharmaceutical company with various departments (ingredients/flavors), such as, production, QA, operations, R&D, finance, logistics, and marketing must plan on which department can contribute the most to the success of a company.
Explain more if you need to
How much each department (flavors/ingredients) must contribute to our company’s current objectives?
Which department will attribute more to the company’s forecast (taste)?
Should more employees be added to one department and downsize another (necessary changes) to achieve the perfect recipe for success?
I believe you will enjoy the insights and recommendations presented to you today just as you would enjoy a chef’s perfect creation.
By using analogies, you will be able to lead your stakeholders to a logical conclusion in a visual and concise manner.
Comment below to let me know:
What are your thoughts on using analogies?
