Can the Use of Analogies Increase Your Influence?

What got you here, won’t take you there.

- Albert Einstein

The secret to increasing influence? Probably more than one. But one good one to consider? Use analogies. In your stories. In demonstrations.

Lots of ways to use analogies.

Here is a great story that we’ll share to illustrate our point:

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, without any words he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar. He then proceeded to fill it with small rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.

He then asked the class if the jar was full. They agreed that it was indeed full.

The Professor then picked up a box of small pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then again asked the class if the jar was full. They nodded in agreement.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand, of course, filled up all the remaining space in the jar.

He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes”.