Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., was known for his effective use of comparisons and visual cues in his presentations. He would often compare Apple's products to everyday objects to help the audience understand their functionality and design. For instance, when introducing the MacBook Air, he compared it to an envelope, visually demonstrating its thinness by sliding it into one.

Another example is TED Talks, where speakers often use visual aids and comparisons to make complex topics more understandable. For instance, Bill Gates released mosquitoes into the audience to emphasize the threat of malaria.

In the business world, companies like IKEA use comparisons in their marketing strategies. They compare their affordable prices with those of high-end brands to highlight their value proposition.

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How to Develop Self-confidence & Influence by Public Speaking

Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends & Influence People wrote a lesser-known book aimed explicitly at public speakers. Though the book was writ...

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Use comparisons: if you're talking about a very large building, say it is as large as two US Capitol buildings stacked atop each other. Avoid technical terms: this is particularly important if you are a lawyer, doctor, engineer or from some other profession that tends to use a lot of jargon that is meaningless to the general public. Make sure what you are trying to explain is very clear in your own mind. Use visual cues, such as illustrations or exhibits, if appropriate; if not, paint a mental picture of the scene or object you are trying to describe. Restate your big ideas (but not repetitively, use different phrasing and examples). Use concrete examples: if you are describing how much money professional athletes can make, cite how much specific well-known individuals earn in a year. Don't try to cover too many points; your audience will get lost. Close with a brief summary of your main points.

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Small businesses can utilize the strategies outlined in Dale Carnegie's book to improve their public speaking and influence in several ways. Firstly, they can use comparisons to make their points more relatable and understandable. Avoiding technical terms can also help in making their communication more accessible to a wider audience. It's also important to have a clear understanding of what they are trying to explain. Using visual cues or painting a mental picture can help in better engagement with the audience. Restating big ideas using different phrasing and examples can reinforce the message. Using concrete examples can make abstract concepts more tangible. Lastly, focusing on a few key points and summarizing them at the end can help in better retention of the information.

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