Are you speaking concretely or abstractly?
Ever wonder how much you absorb in just a single work day? It’s staggering. All the things you hear, see, feel, read: how much do you actually retain?
Paint me a picture
If I say the word “chair,” an image instantly springs to mind. Solid, tangible, easy to sketch. You already know its form and function. But if I say “performance,” the picture blurs, and everyone imagines something different.
Now try drawing “efficiency”…
Words and brain activity
In corporate communications, rolling out ideas, concepts, or processes lights up minds across the room. Why? According to Andrew Newberg, a neuroscience specialist, abstract words trigger much more brain activity than concrete ones.
Wooden language
Language should spark imagination. When explaining a concept or process, ground it in concrete examples and avoid slipping into wooden language, a rigid, inflexible style that stifles thought. Instead, lean on analogies and metaphors. They help your audience grasp ideas faster, remember more, and stay mentally energized.
A quick recap
Speak simply and clearly, making it easy for your audience to picture what you’re saying. No matter your field of expertise, communication works best when your words paint a picture.
