Metaphor
Group - 1 Day Course
Course Description
Metaphor is part of our everyday life which mostly goes unnoticed. Most of its impact is at the unconscious level and it therefore plays a powerful role in interpreting, understanding and persuading. Leading communicators use it with great effect – think of people who have changed the history of a country, or indeed the world, in fields of religion, philosophy, science and politics.
The art of creating and using metaphor is available to those who want to excel as communicators. This one-day discussion course explains what metaphor is and shows how to form it and use it. At the end of the day participants will be competent and confident in using this sophisticated means of persuasion.
Who will benefit?
Anyone who wants to explain ideas which are typically misunderstood or resisted. It is particularly useful to lawyers, economists, scientists, change agents and those who want to explain policies or strategies. For those who use the public media, metaphor has a double appeal – it explains and convinces, and it is appeals to journalists and interviewers because of its clarity and colourful nature.
Course outline
Definitions and historical use of metaphor.
Examples of metaphor in different cultures.
Restatement of traditional metaphors using different symbolism.
Three methods for creating metaphor – intuitive, generalisation, governing idea.
The concept of precedent in law.
Case studies demonstrated.
Participants use their own case situations, and create metaphors for discussion in pairs.
Course arrangements
No maximum or minimum group size. Course notes and reading lists are provided.