Figures of Speech
Simile

Compare using "like" or "as" to clarify and add color.

In Figures of SpeechLast updated

What & why

What it is
A rhetorical device that creates explicit comparisons between two different things using 'like' or 'as'. Similes illuminate unfamiliar concepts by connecting them to familiar experiences, making ideas more accessible and memorable. This technique helps audiences quickly grasp new information through relatable analogies.
Why it works

Similes engage comparative processing in the brain, making abstract concepts concrete through explicit comparison. The 'like' or 'as' structure signals the brain to activate analogy networks, facilitating understanding through familiar references.

Before & after

Before

“The server is slow.”

After

“The server crawls like morning traffic on the ring road.”

When you’ll use it

Making technical concepts accessible to diverse audiences

Adding personality and relatability to data presentations

Creating vivid descriptions in storytelling

Helping stakeholders visualize scale or impact

Building empathy by comparing user experiences

Making abstract metrics tangible and meaningful

Pro tip

Use a comparison your audience knows well.

Questions & answers

When should I use simile instead of metaphor?

Use similes when you want to maintain distance between the two things being compared or when the comparison might be unexpected. Similes are clearer but less immersive than metaphors. 'Our process is like a Swiss watch' is clearer than 'Our process is a Swiss watch.'

How do I avoid cliché similes?

Create fresh similes by being specific. Instead of 'busy as a bee,' try 'busy as a barista during morning rush.' Draw from your specific industry or shared experiences with your audience.

Are similes too informal for executive presentations?

Not when used strategically. One well-chosen simile can make complex data memorable. Keep them professional, specific, and relevant to business outcomes. Avoid cute or humorous similes in formal contexts.

Learn more

Wikipedia - Simile
Six Minutes - Add Impact with Rhetorical Devices

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