Being human
Presenting a product should sound more enticing than a user manual. Usher your listeners with figurative language.
Anthropomorphism and personification (greek: prosopopoeia) are part of every great writer’s repertoire. The techniques allow you to describe an object, an animal or phenomena in a more human way. Whereas anthropomorphism explains human actions with non-humans, for instance in children’s books, personification applies human qualities to something. You often come across a prosopopoeia when friends describe the behaviour of pets or someone complains about technology.
How to use personification or anthropomorphism
Make a list of common or crucial objects that are part of your presentation.
(e.g. products, animals, programmes)Look for complicated or boring parts in your speech and highlight them.
Explain how it works not with humans but animals (anthropomorphism), or use verbs dealing with human traits (prosopopeia).
Exercise
Imagine the day of an alligator, bell, cactus, doll or engine, and describe it vividly.
Learn the techniques. Boost your confidence. Make your point.
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