Figurative language: how to use it to your benefit

In a professional context, clear communication is key. Whether we want to negotiate successfully with suppliers, convey a new concept to colleagues, or persuade customers to buy our product, making ourselves understood is fundamental. There are many ways to achieve this, both verbally and in writing, but what every method has in common is the words we choose. They’re vital in creating impact. Read on to discover how figurative language can improve your professional communications. 

What is figurative language?

The dictionary definition of figurative language is “language that’s intended to create an image, association, or other effect in the mind of the listener or reader that goes beyond the literal meaning or expected use of the words involved.”

That means that, unless you understand the reference, you may not understand the figurative language meaning that the speaker is trying to convey. For example, an English speaker may say “it’s raining cats and dogs.” On a literal level, a non-English speaker may look to the sky and expect to see animals falling from the clouds, whereas the speaker actually means that it is raining a lot. 

On the other hand, when audiences understand the references, it can make communications clearer and enable the communicator to convey complex ideas in an easily understandable way. 

Why should you use figurative language?

Anyone wanting to make their communications clearer should consider using figurative language, because it can: 

• Create a connection with the listener

• Enable the listener to visualise the idea being conveyed

• Bring interest to an otherwise dull topic

• Inject humour 

Types of figurative language

Ready to engage your audience? You may like to try these common figures of speech: 

Similes

A simile compares one thing to another. It’s easily spotted, because it usually uses the words “as” or “like.”

For example: 

• Her workspace was as neat as a pin

• Finishing the task was like a race against time

Metaphors

Metaphors are like similes, but they skip the comparing stage and directly state that something is something else - even though, literally, it isn’t. 

For example: 

• His manager has a heart of gold

• She was drowning in work

Personification

Personification gives human attributes to non-human things. 

For example: 

• The project demanded attention

• The laptop groaned and died

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggeration - not the type that is misleading, like “I have ten million pounds” - but the type that is used non-literally to give emphasis.

For example: 

• I told him a thousand times not to miss the deadline

• I’ve been waiting forever for her to forward that email

Idiom

Idioms don’t technically make sense when you think about them - they’re phrases that are so ingrained into our culture and language that we know what’s meant because we don’t take them literally. 

For example: 

• The new hire hit the ground running 

• He had to cut corners to do it within budget

Allusion

When we allude to something, we enable others to bring it to mind, without mentioning it directly, by simply implying. 

For example: 

• This project is like a Catch-22

• When he said he’d done the work, I could see his nose growing

Synecdoche

With synecdoche, part of the thing in question is referred to as the whole. 

For example: 

• The suits are visiting the site tomorrow

• We need more boots on the ground

Tips for using figurative language

Of course, you don’t suddenly want to start filling your professional communications with lots of figurative language. Dropping a few strategic references can work wonders, but don’t misuse them. Check out our top figurative language techniques for the workplace: 

• Use figurative language only when it will improve clarity - if you’re using it just to sound smart, you’ll end up confusing people and achieving the opposite

• Only use figurative language in the right context - presentations, explanations, and casual conversation will benefit, resumes, cover letters, and official reports will not

• Use figurative language sparingly - an email or training course that relies too heavily on figures of speech will leave everyone feeling overwhelmed by the distraction

There’s another way to level up your professional communications

As we said above, not all professional communications benefit from figurative language and your resume is a great example of that. You’d never send out a resume saying “I have a million things to do” or “my current project is running away with me.” No, concise and factual is the expectation here. 

If finding the right language to write your resume is getting you down, there is another way. Simply call in the professionals! Yes, there are resume experts who specialise in finding exactly the right words to show off your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a way that makes you irresistible to employers. 

Why not send your resume for a free resume review and take the first step towards your next role? 

Recommended reading: 

• Tips for writing a farewell message to colleagues (with examples) 

• How to write a resignation letter: tips and examples

• How to write a resume - a step-by-step guide with examples