According to researchers, images are always forming in the mind. Never mind that the same researchers disagree as to which portion of the brain processes images or creates them, we all know that images happen. Turns out that imagery is a common element in many of the immeasurable cerebral processes – learning can be very imagery-oriented.
A few points of reference; We create images in step with what we are reading. Alzheimer’s studies indicate that avid readers are less likely to develop memory or cognitive issues, and researchers attribute that finding to the idea that reading requires the mind to generate images in step with the written word. In contrast, that study showed that television addicts are not mentally crafting images, because the flat-screen-of-numbness requires no imagery creativity. The reading mind must get up and stretch a bit. Surveys of musicians indicate that many see musical notes in colors and cadences of time, like rainbows going by. There is also the matter of “visualization”, in which we can train for certain tasks by imagining ourselves doing them first. Referring to musicians again, it’s been proven that mental exercises such as simply envisioning oneself playing the chords correctly improves actual abilities. Academia has long recognized that visual imagery is a wonderful tool for teaching children to read, associating words with nursery rhyme images. I still remember how to spell rubber ducky.
What does any of this have to do with public speaking? Its cognitively simple – the more imagery you can create in your speech, the more likely the audience is to learn and remember the message. Think of it this way; if we can see it, we’ve heard it. Can you enhance your point with imagery? For instance, let’s say you have a message about home safety, or insurance, or protecting your family, or the human resilience to bravely re-start your entire life. Suppose this story includes losing your home in a fire. How would you convey the story? Can you transfer the gut-wrenching moments as you stood hopelessly in the street at night while the home went up in flames? Can you convey the finality of it, the imagery of loss (hopefully followed by the joyous renewal of life)?
Creating memorable imagery in speech is not difficult. We see in our minds eye as we prepare each speech. As writers and speakers, we know well the textures, colors, and depths of the moments we hope to describe. What makes the story richer, and makes it stick with the audience all the more, is simple - detail and depth - adjectives, colors and texture… The huge yellow flames against the night sky. The crackling sounds of wood burning. The hopelessly deep sense of the loss of personal security. The next morning, in the rain, the charred teddy bear. The dark hulk of the burned out car sitting in the space that was yesterday the garage. The rancid smell of burned chemicals and wood and plastic (for those who have experienced a fire, please accept my condolences for any bad memories). The warm hugs of your best friend. As you read that, you just created those images for yourself. Added details helped the mind to create the scenes with depth and associations. And every listener will do the same.
Images can pull an audience into the story. Clear and graphic images, in simple language, burn deeper into memory and your listener will create automatic associations related to your purpose. If you want someone to give, to act, to join in, to change something, help them see the story to help them “see” the message.
