Metaphors save the day when you have to deliver predictable information. One such occasion is the graduation speech. How do you engage and hold the attention of graduates and their parents, when everyone pretty much knows you are going to say something along the lines of … congratulations on your accomplishments … this is a beginning, not an end … seek to do something great and true to yourself … there will be bumps along the way, but perseverance and courage will get you over them … be kind … be generous … take risks … make a difference … etc. It is devilishly hard to be original.
However, one speaker solved that problem. He delivered these evergreen messages in a totally unique way by couching his entire speech in a metaphor. While you may not be giving a graduation speech any time soon, read/listen to how he did this, because it is another example of how metaphors can help you make a major impact in client, colleague, or investor presentations.
Brad Meltzer at the University of Michigan 5/19/24
As quick background, Brad Meltzer is an American best-selling novelist, non-fiction writer, TV show creator, and comic book author. His novels are in the political, legal, and conspiracy thriller genres. He has also written superhero fiction for DC Comics and a series of short biographies of prominent people for young readers. He is quite an interesting person and for more information on him, click here. 
Read a summary of his speech here, or watch it online here. (If you choose to watch it, begin the video at 4:15)
Your Turn
What “magic” metaphor can you develop as a theme that frames your talk the next time you need to persuade or motivate a group?
Anne Miller
Make What You Say Pay! – with Metaphors
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