Imagine you are standing on a small, level spot. Right in front of you is a large hill and you know that if you reach the top you’ll receive a valuable reward. Also imagine that very close to your feet is the edge of a deep pit. If you step just a bit carelessly, you’ll fall into the pit. You won’t get injured, but you will have to struggle to get out of the pit and on the path to the top of the hill.
Which would you rather do—go to the top from the level ground, or have to climb out of the pit and then climb to the top? Obviously, starting at the level ground is the easier way to the top and to your reward.
The opening of your speech is like that spot on level ground: with the right opening, you’ll go straight to the top. With a stumble or a weak opening, you’ll fall into the pit and have to climb out of it before you can go to the top. Your audiences may not stick around that long, and you may run out of opportunity before you get to the top.
When you understand the effect of your opening on the whole value of your speech, you see that making it great is not optional.
This image is an example of an analogy. I use it for my audiences of business speakers instead of a lecture or rules about the importance of an attention-getting opening. Once they have visualized the scene, they are eager to craft great openings.
Use analogies to get your audiences seeing a vision--then bring up some data or logic or other left-brain material.
What analogies do you find helpful? Share your ideas through our comment link.
Comments