Crafting the Perfect Metaphor for Your Presentation

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When learning about an audience, we study their desires, fears, and the issues that keep them up at night. At times, straightforward and pointed arguments that speak to these concerns do the trick. But often, a little extra spark is needed to captivate them truly.???

This is where presentation metaphors shine. They leverage a concept known as prior knowledge, bridging the gap between the familiar and the new. It’s like saying, “The news hit her like a bolt of lightning” which instantly communicates the severity of the situation through a shared understanding.????

Getting to a metaphor that isn’t cliché is not easy. You will likely need to toss out the first few that come to mind. However, investing time in the process can be the key to success. Here are a few tips to help you craft your perfect metaphor:??

Finding inspiration??

Try sketching your ideas using a word-map technique. Below is an example of brainstorming for “partnership.” When you think of partnership, the cliché examples are hands shaking, two people rowing together etc. This exercise will help you think more inadept. Put a word in the middle and start brainstorming about what comes to mind. Continue to think of ideas even if they don’t seem related to your topic; you never know what you will come up with.??

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Use AI tools?

The key is prompting the tool descriptively. If you simply prompt the tool and say “I am creating a presentation on cybersecurity, what are some metaphors I can use?” You will be given the cliché list of a lock and key, fortress, jigsaw puzzle, etc. But if you prompt the tool to connect two things that might not be related, the tool can come up with original ideas. Have a little fun with it! Here are some examples of prompts and the results:?

Prompt - Connect cybersecurity threats to a biological process:?

• Cell Membrane and Firewalls: Cell membranes control the passage of substances into and out of cells, regulating the internal environment and protecting against external threats. Similarly, firewalls control the flow of data into and out of networks, filtering and blocking unauthorized access while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through.?
• DNA and Encryption: DNA carries genetic information that determines the traits and functions of living organisms, while encryption algorithms encode and secure digital information. Both DNA and encryption play critical roles in protecting the integrity and privacy of their respective systems.?

Prompt - Connect cybersecurity threats to wine:?

• Authentication and Verification: Just as wine enthusiasts value the authenticity and origin of their wines, cybersecurity involves authentication mechanisms to verify the identity of users and devices accessing digital systems. Much like examining a wine label or cork to ensure its authenticity, cybersecurity employs methods such as biometric authentication, digital certificates, and multi-factor authentication to validate the legitimacy of users and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.?
• Data Integrity and Aging Process: Wine matures over time, with its quality and value increasing as it ages gracefully. Similarly, maintaining the integrity of digital data is crucial for cybersecurity, ensuring that information remains accurate, consistent, and reliable over time. Like the aging process of wine requires optimal storage conditions, cybersecurity measures such as data encryption, backup solutions, and access controls protect data from corruption, manipulation, or unauthorized changes, ensuring its integrity and longevity.?

A well-chosen metaphor can illuminate concepts, allowing your audience to see your idea in a new light. Try developing one for your next presentation. You’ve got this!?

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Thanks for reading,??

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