Illustrated Sport - Enigin
By Steve Hill
Sports is so often used to illustrate life, because the effort and determination put in during a reasonably short sporting match, event etc. leads to success.
Formerly working within professional soccer I have often used that to illustrate points - even during Enigin training.
With success and goals or targets involved in sports it is even more often used to illustrate business life and practices.
Plus, to really succeed needs consistency, to win a championship, a series, a season, a challenge cup all requires not just one battle but many and generally winning more than you lose.
It may seem a bit hackneyed, I know of some people who ban sports metaphors, particularly football or soccer, because they feel they are overdone.
I understand the point of view, but why are they ubiquitous?
Because they fit, they are easily understood by all, as long as they do not get too technical, and are readily visualised by the audience, and isn’t that the point of an illustration. It is no good using some comparison and the majority do not know what you are talking about.
Some will argue they have no interest in sport but they understand the concept.
We could use anything to do with domestic life as an illustration, maybe bringing up children - but does that rule out understanding from those who do not have kids? Maybe they will not all the nuances, but then if you use an illustration in a presentation, lecture or training you must keep it on a basic level.
If you go beyond basic application you open yourself up to misunderstanding and peopl second guessing wrongly what you are trying to get at - then you have lost them.
I am happy to hear sports used to illustrate life, business or anything come to that matter but KISS - keep it simple stupid - and then you will make your point with all who listen.
Comments are closed!