Communication Skills
Metaphors
Metaphors connect two ideas from different fields that have similar forms. Stories can serve as metaphors. Metaphors can succinctly communicate complex ideas. Because the listener must actively discover their meaning, metaphors are intrinsically more interesting and memorable than simply telling someone your idea. Throughout history and in all cultures great communicators have used metaphors extensively - from Confucius and Zhaungzi to Shakespeare and Dante to Martin Luther King and Barack Obama. We can learn from these people.
Metaphors are important in business. Many companies have cultures based on a metaphor - buisiness as conflict or business as creation. When we negotiate with a buyer, we may see ourselves as dividing up a cake or as baking a cake together. These framing metaphors can affect how we behave.
Almost any type of communication can be made more interesting, powerful and memorable with an appropriate metaphor or story.