All humans — especially leaders — benefit from clear communication. Message receivers understand faster and more thoroughly while using less cognitive energy. Message senders make stronger connections and also get the correct action done right the first time — assuming the sender’s message included an effective call to action.
When you’re a clear communicator — especially as a leader — you also benefit more when you up your game — and your language — to use appropriate metaphors, analogies and similes. These tools, called figures of speech, can help you explain complicated concepts more simply, evoke emotions, and strengthen your connections with others. Your messages — and you — also will be more memorable.
In my latest Forbes Coaches Council article, Want to connect better as a leader? Use more figures of speechpublished online on December 23, 2024, I explain how this works. I also emphasize the importance of ensuring your figures of speech match your intent. For example, if you talk about “foundations” and “pillars” at the same time you encourage people to be more agile and flexible, you’ll send mixed messages and potentially cause confusion. Foundations, pillars and building are engineering structures that are hardly agile and flexible. Instead, consider using terms from nature, such as “roots,” “trees,” and “plants.”
Are you ready to create more memorable messages?
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