This year’s Time 100 list has just been published, which raises an interesting question: how vividly can you capture who you are or what you do when you are presenting, networking, or meeting someone for the first time?
Many of their Icons, Leaders, Titans, Pioneers, and Artists are given mildly engaging descriptions, e.g., Apple CEO Tim Cook (A Courageous Innovator), Musician and Actor Tim MCGraw (Country’s Leading Light), Journalist Jorge Ramos (America’s News Anchor).
But many are given more vivid, resonant, intriguing descriptions. See if you can match these members of the 100 with their metaphoric tags. (Answers found after my signature)
1. Kanye West A. Mogul Mousketeer
2. Susan Wojcicki B. Enemy of Despots
3. Janet Yellen C. The Cinematic Chameleon
4. Bob Iger D. Curator of the World’s Stories
5. Bradley Cooper E. Market Mover
6. Samantha Power F. King of the Court
7. Adam Silver G. Boundary Breaker
And You Are…?
How vivid is the description you use to describe who you are or what you do? Follow these steps to arrive at your best metaphor:
- Write down what you literally do
- List what others have said about you, your work/product/service , strengths, & value
- Note how you are different from competitors
- Look for other world parallels with common characteristics or traits to your answers in 1-4
- Select the one that is most appealing and appropriate
- Test it on friends and clients
- Use it!
Last Tip
Take a look at the 4/27 Time Magazine issue. In addition to discovering some influential and important players in our world today who you may not know, you may find inspiration for your own metaphor to make you more distinctive and memorable in your field of endeavor as well.
Anne Miller
Make What You Say Pay!
Answers: 1G, 2D, 3E, 4A, 5C, 6B, 7F
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