Use Vivid Language

Use Vivid Language

Page 266

Language paints a picture for an audience. The more vivid your terms, the more the audience members can use their imaginations and their senses. For example, if you say your father had a car, your listeners hear a common, forgettable fact. If you tell them that your father drove a faded orange 1972 Volkswagen Beetle with a dent in the left fender and a broken taillight, you’ll give them a very clear and memorable picture of this vehicle. You may have great, eye-catching slides and props, but remember that words count—often even more than your PowerPoint slides do.

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Audience members wouldn’t conjure this clear and memorable picture in their minds unless it was painted with vivid language by the speaker.