Making the Most of your Metaphors

The Green Path - Inspired Block Series

It is a massive success factor when people become aware of their need for a skill. So how do we fan that flame? This first step, which I call the Inspired Block on the Green Path, sets the stage to convert awareness into lasting change.

We’ve been talking about the importance of visuals during this month, starting with relationship diagrams and then moving to complex models. This week, we’re taking a closer look at the Metaphor artifact.

There are six distinct metaphor types, each with a specific purpose during communication. However, I’m focused on the three types that are relevant to skill development, which are Conventional, Visual, and Extended.

When to use Metaphor
When the skill you are teaching is largely unfamiliar to the learner.

The metaphor introduces new information by connecting it to experiences already known. Metaphors can also make abstract ideas concrete or break old patterns with new ideas.

How to teach with Metaphor
Know your audience well enough that you are reasonable assured the metaphor will click. Also, keep it limited and simple. People just glaze over if it is a mix of metaphors or if it’s too complex.

• Conventional
  Use when you're introducing a new skill that might feel unfamiliar or intimidating, and you want to help people feel like they already have a foundation to build on.

• Visual
  Use when you're teaching a new skill that’s abstract, complex, or process-based—something that benefits from being seen, not just explained.

• Extended

  Use when you're teaching a skill that involves a process, journey, or mindset shift—it helps create a memorable, structured story that learners can follow and reference later.