Use simple examples to teach complex ideas.

10/25/2008

This is one of the best ways to connect with an audience.

I just attended the Consulting Accountants Round Table put together by Mentor Plus, a company that trains exceptional accountants. I attended a great session from Palm Tree, Inc which was all about Kaizen events and eliminating waste. The instructors did a wonderful job of explaining Lean theory and numerous other manufacturing-related concepts to a room full of accountants.

But, when they shared this video about making toast we all understood in an entirely new way. They made a connection and it stuck.

UPDATE: Even bette,r if said video includes images of you dancing to make your point - as noted in the comments below from author and blogger Amy of AmysMamadrama.com.

2 Comments

Amy link

10/26/2008 01:32:03 pm

Hey Geni -

Liked the video. Wasn't familiar with the concepts, but feel like I "got the gist" just with the video.

And I agree about using metaphors, examples or funny descriptors to make a point.

I am relieved to say, this is one thing I do (I reality check your tips against my training stuff - so I can improve whenever possible). When I teach internet advertising to small business and media sales people, I do a dance to illustrate the difference between static, animated and rich media ad creative. It is silly, for sure, but no one misses the point. And nothing sticks in their minds more clearly. It doesn't have quite the dignity level as the guy in the toast video, but it works for me <grin>.

Thanks for the tip and keep 'em coming!

Betsy Burroughs link

10/27/2008 01:21:09 am

OK, I KNOW how Amy looks dancing. See? Memorable. Cracks me up to think of her doing that in her seminars.

This "scientific psychic" loves this video. Thanks!

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Geni Whitehouse
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Use simple examples to teach complex ideas.

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