Have you ever noticed that some people capture your attention with every word that they use? From the minute they start speaking, you cannot help but listen as they invite you in, painting a vivid picture of what happened such that you feel like you were there with them. And then some people tell stories so bland that you struggle with maintaining your focus to the point that you probably start thinking of other things. Well, if you have ever wanted to be an expressive speaker, we have some tips for you, and they all come down to using figurative language!
The Power of Figurative Language – And Examples You Can Use
Figurative language is all about expressing yourself in a way that goes beyond words. For example, instead of describing someone as being kind, you can talk about them as having a heart of gold. People listening to you can then equate this comparison to that person’s generosity. See? With just one word, you can engage people more and add layers to your conversation. And guess what? It’s quite easy to do if you know just what type of figurative language is best for a situation. Let’s get started:
Similes
This types of figurative language compares two things using the terms “as” or “like,” thus implying that the two are similar.
Example: He ran as fast as lightning.
In the real sense, you know that no man is capable of running that fast. But the subtle implication here is that he ran so fast that his speed exceeded what people consider average, and if you hear this comparison, you will likely picture his fast speed.
Metaphors
Unlike similes, which use words like “as” to link the things being compared, metaphors imply that the two things are the same.
Example: Life is a journey.
Given the twists and turns that people go through in life, comparing it to a journey feels natural. If someone says this to you, part of you will picture this reality, which will make what they are saying resonate more with you.
Personifications
This figurative language imparts human traits to non-humans to make them feel more relatable.
Example: The sun smiled down on the children.
We know that the sun cannot smile. But by personifying its rays, you cannot help but feel the warmth that this expression conveys, which sets up quite a lovely scene.
Hyperboles
Most of us have exaggerated situations at one time or the other to emphasize our points or how we felt about something.
Example: I am so hungry that I can eat a whole cow!
Such an exaggeration is intentional, such that the person expressing it cannot literally eat a cow. However, they want you to know just how hungry they feel!
Idioms
Sometimes, the true meaning of an expression is not in its words but rather in its figurative meaning.
Example: She let the cat out of the bag.
If you don’t know this expression, you may think that she actually let the cat out of the bag. But the figurative meaning is that she revealed a secret!
Alliterations
Remember those school rhymes that had the same consonants? Well, it turns out that repeating them is not just for fun, but it also ha class=”color”s the added benefit of artistic emphasis.
Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.
With such repetition, it’s quite hard not to pay attention to the musical effect that keeps you hooked on the story.
Onomatopoeias
We relate sounds to the objects or animals that make them. Onomatopoeia banks on this relatability to develop scenes.
Example: The cow mooed as it walked toward the man.
With the insertion of the moo, which mimics the cow’s natural sound, you cannot help but feel like you are experiencing the interaction.
Symbolisms
We naturally associate objects, characters, or events with the bigger picture such that each element adds to the conclusion.
Example: The pigs in the Animal Farm.
Politicians are known for their greed, and this literary work brings this out through the use of pigs. While it does not explicitly make the connection, readers do, which makes the story development much more engaging.
Irony
If there is figurative language that many people use, it is irony, be it verbal or situational.
Example: You fall down a flight of stairs and exclaim, “Great, what a nice day!’
When there is a clear contrast between reality and expectations, irony often comes into play. For many people, it’s a way to inject humor into otherwise tense or mundane situations.
Oxymorons
What happens when you combine two contrasting words? Well, you create a paradox that inspires deep thinking!
Example: The cashier was clearly confused.
Hearing that, you may also be confused. After all, how can you have clear confusion? But the oxymoron implies that by looking at the cashier, it was clear that they were confused. It’s a pretty good way to grab people’s attention.
Conclusion
Figurative language is a fantastic way to make your writing and speaking come alive. Whether you’re comparing something to lightning with a simile, infusing the sun with life with personification, or adding a sneaky idiom, these tools can assist you in catching your audience and making your message stick.