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January 12, 2011
 Tucson
Metaphor Maelstrom
If you had any doubt that
rhetorical tools like metaphors are incredible communication power tools,
freighted with emotions that impact people's actions, you have only to read the
media this week following the terrible tragic shootings in Arizona.
At the center of the
coverage is whether Sarah Palin’s cross hairs image on a map targeting Senator
Gabriele Gifford for elimination and her earlier "lock and load" comments
contributed to the shooter’s motivation. The question broadened to a debate that
these images have become a symbol (metaphor) for the larger, incendiary use of
language that passes for all political discourse in this country.
No surprise, the
liberal media (The New York Times) sees these images as proof of a “climate
of hate” that needs to change, and the
conservative media (The Wall Street
Journal) dismisses the argument as preposterous and an "attack itself on
democratic discourse."
"The Metaphor Minute" is
not taking sides, but merely pointing out the power of metaphor to stir the
emotions and affect people’s views, individually as well as on a national scale.
Time will tell if this latest debate will lead to a change in political
rhetoric.
On a more micro level,
this is a reminder that metaphors in your daily communications can be incredibly
effective in affecting perceptions, creating change, or closing business.
Anne Miller
Make What You Say Pay — With Metaphors.
In Case You Missed It...
High Tech & High Touch
Little Things Mean A Lot
On a Lighter Note, check out this clever video:
Literal vs Metaphorical
Need Personal Presentation Consulting? Contact me:
amiller@annemiller.com
"I sing your praises every opportunity I get. I look forward to
continuing our work together"
Jane Newton, Wealth Manager, Regent Atlantic Capital LLC
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