The Power of Analogies and Metaphors in Demos and Discovery

The Power of Analogies and Metaphors in Demos and Discovery

 A Never Stop Learning! Article

 

“The world is full of hopeful analogies and handsome, dubious eggs, called possibilities.”

– Mary Ann Evans (pen name George Eliot)

 

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. It’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

 – Mark Twain

 

“Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.”

 – Albert Einstein

 

What’s in This Article for You?

 

-       A couple of demo and discovery analogies.

-       Why use analogies and metaphors? Retention!

-       Why use analogies and metaphors? Understanding!

-       Manufacturing metaphors and accumulating analogies.

-       Beware the morass of mixed metaphors.

-       Stories: the best!

 

Analogies, metaphors, and similes: Which is which? I was once told an analogous story about a metaphor, or perhaps it was a metaphorical tale of an analogy? Or a simile-like metaphor? In any case, as Steven Wright once quipped, “It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to paint it…!”

 

Demos Can Be Like…

 

A stunningly awful demo is like being stuck for an hour listening to music that you loathe: You can’t wait to leave the venue!

 

On the other hand, a great demo is like enjoying a delicious meal: Just the right flavors, textures, colors, scents, timing, and just the right amount of food!

 

Discovery Can Be Like…

 

For many prospects, discovery calls often feel like an inquisition, answering question after remorseless question about speeds, feeds, and needs tonelessly recited by vendors from a never-ending list!

 

In contrast, well-executed discovery conversations are an engaging, mutual learning experience, like a first meeting with someone who becomes a lifelong friend. These are dialogues where both parties are mentally stimulated, curious, and are often sad to see the discussion end!

 

Well-crafted analogies and metaphors help our audiences understand and remember the key ideas we present in our demos and discovery conversations. How does this happen?

 

You can find the balance of this article here – enjoy!

 

https://greatdemo.com/analogies-and-metaphors-in-demos-and-discovery/