But remember, an illustration that does not fit is worse than no illustration at all. Think of key words in the talk and pictures they convey to your mind. The Christian looks at it as God’s handiwork, a satellite of His creation, an object that endures forever, something that affects our everyday lives, causing the tides to ebb and flow.Ħ In preparing a talk, if simple illustrations do not come readily to mind, check related material in the Watch Tower Society’s publications. To flourish it must be watered.” Some persons today look at the moon only in terms of space travel. For instance, if you see a potted flower that looks dry and wilted, you might think, “Friendship is like a plant. As you look at things, think of them in terms of Christian living and the ministry.

As you read, note illustrations that are used. To learn to use illustrations you must learn to think in terms of illustrations. But their effectiveness cannot be overstated. Use them, but do not overuse them.ĥ Proper use of illustrations is an art. Do not overseason the talk with too many illustrations. Whatever illustration is used, however, it should be chosen because of the occasion and the material, not just because it is a favorite illustration of the speaker.Ĥ A word of caution. They can be based on occupations of the audience, on human traits or characteristics, household items, or such works of men as houses, ships, etc. They can deal with animate or inanimate objects of creation. They can be analogies, comparisons, contrasts, similes, metaphors, personal experiences, examples. From what sources may illustrations be drawn?ģ Illustrations can take many forms.

For example, you might say, “No father would put his child’s hand on a hot stove as a means of punishment.” Such an illustration introducing the doctrine of “hell” would immediately make the false religious conception of “hell” repugnant and therefore more easily set aside.ģ-6. It can sweep away objections before a controversial doctrine is introduced. They must fit your material.Ģ On occasion, an illustration can be used to sidestep prejudice or bias. But this is true only if the illustrations are fitting. The result is that the message is conveyed to the mind with a force that is not often possible with simple statements of fact. Well-chosen illustrations couple intellectual appeal with emotional impact. They stir up one’s thinking processes and make it easier to grasp new thoughts. Illustrations stimulate interest and highlight important ideas. Briefly show what illustrations do for a talk.ġ When a speaker uses illustrations, he actually impresses meaningful pictures on the minds of his audience.

Jw public talk illustrations