Master the Analogy III - Mistakes to Avoid

In the first and second posts in this series, we talked about what analogies are and why you should care as well as some tips to get you started. In this post, we'll talk about some mistakes to avoid and what to do instead. Let us begin.

Analogies are very effective but they are not perfect. To increase the chances of your analogies being successful, here are three guidelines for what to do and what to avoid when using analogies.

1. Similarity, simplicity and familiarity make for clarity

This may sound obvious but you would be surprised at how often speakers use analogies that are just, well, bad. They do not compare to the concept being explained or are so stretched that the audience must work very hard indeed to make the connection.

I listen to a lot of speakers – from professionals to everyday run of the mill speakers. And while many use analogies, few use them with skill. Don’t be tempted to just take the first analogy that comes to your mind.

The key is to choose analogies that help in explaining a difficult or novel concept – analogies must be similar and familiar so that the audience can make the connection simply and easily.

Keep the analogy simple and straightforward. Analyze the analogy – make sure it earns its place in your presentation. Your audience’s attention is finite so make sure every element works. 

2. Don’t overstretch or oversimplify with an analogy - Lesson from Forrest Gump

In general, when using an analogy to describe an abstract concept, it is better to use a concrete analogy than an abstract one. Concreteness means that a concept is made tangible or “touchable”.

A touchable analogy is easier to grasp, easier to handle and easier to remember.For example, describing photons of light bouncing off surfaces using an analogy of tennis balls bouncing off a wall is much better than comparing the same phenomenon to sound waves reflected off the floor. The tennis ball is concrete. The sound waves are not.

If you want to make your point loud and clear, use concrete analogies where possible.

3. Don’t be an “analogy-talker”

Fans of the hit comedy show Seinfeld may remember a running joke in the series where the cast encountered characters with odd communication habits. There was Aaron the guy who came right up to your face when talking (the close-talker). Then there was Dan, the guy with a high-pitched voice (the high-talker). And there was the lady whose voice was so soft you could hardly hear her (the low talker). Well, I am asking you not to be an analogy-talker.

Analogy-talking is rare but it does happen. And when it does it can be hilarious! Maybe you have encountered that odd species of salesperson who feels the need to “break down” every little aspect or feature of a product using some analogy. How did that make you feel?

This is an easy trap to fall into if you sell high-tech goods or services to low-tech clients. One analogy per interaction (or presentation) is more than enough. Any more and it can come across as insulting to the audience’s intelligence.

Try using other explanatory techniques if you need to explain many complex concepts.

There you have them—four guidelines on how to avoid common mistakes in using analogies. The analogy is a great tool to add to your persuasive communication kit. Use it well and it will serve you well.

Till the next post, speak with skill.