Figures of Speech

Simile

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

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What & why

What it is
A simile draws an explicit comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as". By tying an unfamiliar or abstract idea to something the audience already knows, it lets them borrow an existing mental picture instead of building one from scratch. The signal words keep the comparison clearly figurative, so listeners grasp the point fast and tend to remember the vivid image longer than a plain statement.
Why it works

Similes make an explicit comparison that invites listeners to map an unfamiliar idea onto a familiar one. Research on analogical reasoning suggests this draws on existing mental models, and the explicit 'like' or 'as' signals the comparison clearly, which can make ideas more accessible and memorable 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

Silva Rhetoricae (BYU)
Academy of American Poets (Poets.org)
Wikipedia - Simile

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