Metaphorically speaking

Brian Clark over at Copyblogger has been running a "Blogging Metaphorically" series, about using metaphors in blog writing. Metaphors are also effective in public speaking, when used properly and judiciously.

Some of Clark's points throughout the series:

Visual Words Rock Harder: ". . .visual words work better than words lacking in imagery when it comes to effective communication, as long as they also satisfy our left brain by being something we can logically relate to."

Headlines: "Imagine yourself blazing quickly through your feed reader or email inbox. Post titles and subject lines whiz by in a blur of mundane language, until you hit a heading that stops you dead in your tracks and plants a visual in your brain that prompts you to investigate further."

Close the Loop: "Just like express benefits work better than implied promises, you’ve got to expressly circle back to your point and close the metaphorical loop to ensure maximum comprehension. Don’t be arty, be clear."

Attack of the 800-Pound Cliché: "If it’s really an 'apples and oranges' situation and that makes the reader more comfortable, then do it. Otherwise, opt for original metaphors that spark the reader’s imagination in a whole new way."

I encourage you to start from the beginning and read through this series for some great ideas for using metaphors - both in your writing and your speaking.

If I could think of a good metaphor right now, I'd close with one, but I guess my birdbrain has flown the coop.

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