Note – This article has been one of our most popular posts since I began writing this column 17 years ago. The message remains true and I’d like to share it again on this Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
MLK uses the Anaphora Effect.
You’re asking, “What’s the Anaphora Effect?!”
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s American federal holiday marking his birthday, celebrated earlier this week, I want to highlight one of the genius components of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in 1963 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
He uses the Anaphora Effect exquisitely.
Definition of Anaphora
It’s the repetition of words.
Q: Why use Anaphora phrases?
A: You make your message easier to remember by creating a rhythm, heightening emotion and adding emphasis.
In MLK’s famous speech:
“Now is the time” is repeated three times.
“One hundred years later”, “We can never be satisfied”, “With this faith”, “Let freedom ring”, and “free at last” are also repeated.
Of course, the most widely cited example of anaphora is “I have a dream”, which is repeated eight times as King paints a picture of an integrated and unified America.
You might have learned in your English writing classes to not repeat words too often in written form. It depends. Using a catchy phrase can enhance your email or Chairman’s Report.
Why use Repeat Phrases?
Whether you’re writing an email, having a casual conversation, or giving a more formal presentation, using catchy phrases will make you more memorable and create more buy-in.
Photos taken by Robin Sachs Photography. Thank you to Robin for joining me in Atlanta to tour the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and the Martin Luther King National Historical Park!
You talk in boardrooms, on stages, in high-stakes moments. You can’t afford to speak unconsciously – unaware of the cost of wasted time speaking to people who can’t walk out!
You are surrounded by people who depend on your voice – and terrified to critique it. That’s how you might become blind to your own speaking.
Abide by my minimalist and maybe even offensive quotes in order to be heard, respected, and trusted.
🎤 “Shut up!” ➤ This idea offends because you believe leadership lives in talking. Often, it lives in stopping. Said in a kinder way, “Be quiet and/or pause more.” If you learn to speak less, you’ll discover you’re heard more – not because you shortened your monologue, but because you widened the room for processing and meaning.
🎤 “A compelling presentation is never just about your data.” ➤ Your numbers make your team informed, but context makes you memorable. You do need to share your data, but if you don’t add in your stories, examples, anecdotes, digestible stats, and maybe even props and visuals… your info will not be retained.
🎤 “Don’t wing it!” ➤ This quote is my indictment to our busy-executive culture. Do not assume (assume is my least favorite word) that your brilliance compensates for your audience’s time! Please do some prep. Know whom you’re talking to and what will bring value to them. By doing your homework you will design messages that inform, provoke, and more than anything else, mobilize.
So be offended.
Good! I hope this is a wake-up call with a twist.
These quotes aren’t insults.
They are reminders on how to be transformative communicators.
You – yes, you – my clients across time, you lead organizations, you are at the top of your game, you speak around the world and you do well. And, then, you enter the holiday season and you’re talking to your family that you have a lot less control over!
Here are some random and real tools to maximize the good times and minimize possible landmines with your extended family. (I could list these stresses from political views to parenting styles but I’ve spoiled you over the years with short articles …!)
😂 Find the humor.
🤗 Ask questions.
👂🏼 Listen actively. Always a winner! In business and in your personal life, listen more than you talk. (I’ll try to adhere to this 🙄).
🙂 Empower others. Even when you want to kill that cousin for commenting once again on your marital status, can you find something nice to say? You like her watch. You think he did a good job on the pecan pie. You love their kid. Find something to compliment! This works. It’s only manipulative if you’re lying. So don’t lie. But still find something to praise about the other.
👋🏼 Do the common courtesies. Thank the host/hostess and everyone involved with any feast you might attend.
🙏🏼 Keep a mental (or even written) gratitude list, especially when you become sad, irritated or hangry.
😶 Don’t engage. That’s right. DON’T engage. IF there are issues, and you cannot solve them, then don’t get involved.
❣️ Remember your own strengths. Give yourself a break. That positive self-awareness is the perfect antidote for snarky crazy stuff.
✈️ BONUS TIP: 10 surprising items banned by TSA ➜
You travel a lot. Below are 10 items that are currently not allowed in your carry-on luggage, according to USA Today:
Bowling balls
Cast iron cookware
Drills and drill bits
Foam toy swords
Snow globes
Screwdrivers longer than seven inches
Gel-type candles
Pepper spray
Magic 8 ball
Gel heating pads
Happy Holidays. I’m thankful for you. And leave your Magic 8 Ball at home.
Recently, I attended a pivotal meeting at a crazy busy uptown restaurant. The energy was high, but as soon as we sat down, the challenges became clear. Between other table conversations, clattering dishes, and seating arrangement, no one could hear anything!
Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right table and seat location to ensure your voice is heard over the noise.
Tips for Choosing the Right Table ➜
NOTE: arrive early so you have these following options.
Select a Secluded Spot:
➤ Opt for booths or corner tables that minimize distractions.
Consider Seating Arrangements:
➤ For a group of 6 to 8, choose a circular table for a more inclusive atmosphere, promoting open dialogue. No one is at the head of the table.
➤ For a party of 2, choose a square table and sit at a right angle (NOT across from each other). You’ll be closer together which will combat the noise factor and increase a sense of privacy amongst the restaurant din.
Mind the Lighting:
➤ Look for tables that provide adequate lighting, allowing for better visibility of expressions and gestures, which enhances engagement.
Avoid High-Traffic Areas:
➤ Steer clear of tables near the kitchen or restrooms to prevent interruptions.
Request a Quieter Time:
➤ When making your reservation, ask for a less busy time. Most restaurants will appreciate the consideration and try to accommodate.
Think “The Godfather” movies:
➤ Sit with your back against the wall where you can see the whole room. That’s the Power Place. Marlon Brando, Al Pacino etc. always sat in that spot. No one could shoot them from behind!
I’m in the “little things mean a lot” business.
By taking these factors into account, you can create a conducive environment for collaboration and ensure that your critical discussions are not lost in the noise. Your voice counts and your ideas deserve to be heard.
PS: These tips apply to all of your various times you dine out. That said, I thank my husband, family and friends for your patience. I’m picky! A great location & where you sit in the restaurant make all the difference.
PS PS: Thanks to Judy for the clever title and for moving to a different table the other day!
Picture this scenario. You’re speaking about how to earn $3 million in 3 months. Your audience hangs on every word you say.
Unfortunately you’re probably speaking about less wild (and more believable) content.
Given our 24/7 buffet of info deluging you, use this 3-word phrase to keep your listeners from grabbing their phones.
🥁 Drum roll
Hint: you’ve already read those 3 words in this current blog.
“Picture this scenario…”
In John Bowe’s CNBC article, “Highly engaging people use this 3-word phrase to get people to listen” he offers that this phrase “engages attention, evokes curiosity, and invites your listeners into a shared mental space where they can feel and experience what you’re talking about.”
Picture: It’s a direct command.
This: Anchors the story in the present moment.
Scenario: Previews there’s a story to tell.
To Bowe’s point, you’ve heard me say many times that a compelling presentation is never just about the data.
Other Attention-grabbing openers
Bowe provides more great intro phrases.
“What if you…”
“Imagine yourself…”
“Think of the last time you”
“Have you ever found yourself…”
What do all these phrases have in common? The word “you”.
By using the word “you” YOU are being inclusive.
We don’t care about your topic as much as we care about how we see ourselves involved with your topic!
Works in any industry
Pitching a start-up? Don’t explain what it is upfront. Walk your audience through the user experience.
Selling a product? Don’t tell us features and functions. Talk about how it makes the buyer feel.
Proposing a new strategy? Stop giving too much details and rationale. Describe how the team will gain on a daily basis.
Your attention span, and your listener’s attention span are shrinking by the day! Use these openers to keep your team engaged.
photo taken by Karen at Nordstrom in Manhattan. (Nordstrom wants you to say “yes” and buy everything.)
MLK uses the Anaphora Effect.
You might have learned in your English writing classes to not repeat words too often in written form. It depends. Using a catchy phrase can enhance your email or Chairman’s Report.
