Jennifer Maxson & Associates brought together a group of leaders from a variety of industries and functional areas for an engaging session focused on Activating Analogies to elevate key communications and build connection with their audiences.  

To introduce the power and use of analogies, participants were asked to imagine three distinct water features: waves, whirlpools, and waterfalls. The question was posed:

“Which water feature best reflects the type of communication you are engaging in right now?”

Their responses revealed a range of communication challenges and opportunities:

• “I’m in the whirlpool, trying to build alignment and communicate effectively with my team.”
• “I’m working on key cascading messages, so I’d say I’m in the waterfalls right now.”
• “We’re navigating major change, so I’m definitely in the waves.”

This exercise demonstrated the power of analogies to create clarity, foster understanding, and create meaningful conversations.

What is an Analogy?

An analogy draws a comparison between two dissimilar concepts to draw on a parallel theme or convey a larger point. It connects with an audience much like a story—inviting them to engage both intellectually and emotionally. Analogies create a mental image, making complex ideas relatable and memorable.

During the session, the Leaders crafted analogies for their own communications. The results were powerful and imaginative:

• “As we consider this new partnership with another department, think of it from a client’s perspective. Imagine they’re enjoying a delicious meal but only have a fork. By adding this partnership, they now have both a fork and a knife.”
• “When reflecting on the life of your loved one, think of your family’s story as a chapter book. What would they want the next chapter to say?”
• “In our messaging, we used cooking analogies—like whisking and mixing—to illustrate collaboration. It resonated deeply with our audience.”

Six Key Elements of an Effective Analogy

To maximize the impact of analogies in your communication, ensure they are:

1. Relevant – Directly tied to your audience and message.
2. Simplistic – Easy to understand and visualize.
3. Audience-Focused – Meaningful to those you are addressing.
4. Consistent in Tone – Aligned with the overall style of your message.
5. Clear with Its Point – Avoid ambiguity or overcomplication.
6. Memorable or Repeatable – Leave a lasting impression and encourage others to share it.

This week, add an analogy to a key communication communication.  As Dudley Field Malone said, “One good analogy is worth three hours of discussion.”

Ready to elevate your skills to communicate with impact? Explore our Be Bright. Be Brief. Be Gone.™ and Speak Up & Be Effective™ programs to craft concise, impactful messages that resonate with any audience.

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