Whether it be writing, speaking, marketing or mere conversation, language is the vehicle through which we express our thoughts, dreams, creativity, desires, and opinions. But not everyone communicates in a compelling way. Holding people’s attention can be quite a challenge, especially in a time where the average attention span is consistently decreasing due to social media preferences such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Holding people’s attention today is perhaps harder than ever before. Luckily, literary techniques allow you to present your thoughts in a way that is interesting, fun and/or unique. They are used by storytellers, public speakers, advertisers, educators, salespersons, politicians, comedians, as well as people who just enjoy regaling their friends and family, to place a spotlight on their ideas. In this course, we cover ten commonly used literary techniques that can be used by anyone, anywhere, to improve the efficacy of their communication skills. These basic techniques can be used to clarify concepts, engage an audience, or even add some intrigue or novelty to your messages. 

We will discuss allusion, hyperbole, irony, simile, metaphor, imagery, personification, idiomatic expressions, mood and tone as devices used in communication. This is step one in becoming a more intriguing communicator, whether it be as a writer, speaker, or both. Knowing these techniques, with the eventual goal of applying them with purpose, will help set you above many of the more lackluster, dull and/or disengaging speakers, writers, and conversationalists you encounter.

Forget the drab days of boring dialogue, monotonous stories, and lifeless conversation. Start to communicate in color…. In living color… by applying these techniques to your communication style. You may be surprised by the results.

This is a self-paced course, meaning you can watch the classes and proceed at your own speed. In this course, we will cover the following:

*Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification, irony, allusions, idioms, alliteration, imagery, mood and tone.

    *We will define what these techniques are.

    *We will explain why they are used.

    *We will demonstrate their use across various different media.

    *We will give tips on how to use them yourself.

    *We will practice identifying and applying them in context.