How to Use Metaphors in Public Speaking

Public speakers are communicators. Sometimes the information they are conveying isn't obvious and the deeper meanings of highly technical arguments, for example, have to be made clear to the audience. When a public speaker wants to drive home the meaning of a message to the audience, a metaphor can be the perfect vehicle. Learn how to use metaphors in public speaking and you can be a more effective public speaker.

Instructions

1. Write down the point you're trying to make prior to the public speech. This is important because you won't be able to come up with an appropriate metaphor without knowing precisely what you're trying to say.

2. Rephrase your main point in at least three different ways. This will allow you to think creatively about how you can translate your point into a metaphor.

3. Select a parallel miniature story that illustrates the point you're trying to make. For example, if you're trying to illustrate the importance of being frugal and saving for the future, Aesop's fable about the ant and the grasshopper is a metaphor for the situation you want to describe.

4. Insert the metaphor into your speech at the appropriate time. You need to give your audience the appropriate background information so that they will understand your metaphor.

5. Give your speech, emphasizing your metaphor. Watch the audience to make sure they understand the point you're trying to make.

Tips & Warnings

• When giving your speech, check to see that the eyes of the people in the audience aren't glazing over, which indicates they don't understand your metaphor. You might have to explain it if you see glazed eyes.

• Speak confidently that your metaphor will be understood.

• Good metaphors might induce audience members to become your groupies.