OK, this is not about "practicing what your preach" or proving what you say by your actions, but it is about metaphors and how people use them around the world.  My co-worker, Christa Schelter, one of MPI's Content Management Specialists, came across this site and wants to know "Do you make use of metaphors in your meetings and events? Even if none are coming to mind, I’m sure you’ve used a few in some of your most recent exchanges with business contacts."

She goes on to explain that the role and usefulness of metaphor in language remains a debated topic. Researchers with the U.S. Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, have been tasked with building a metaphor repository. Metaphors often come naturally serving as simpler ways for us to express meaning through words, that transcend the literal. Upon closer observation, we note that they provide insight into our cultural environment and ideological assumptions.

As a planner, what are some of the metaphors you use in your business activities, to communicate effectively? What communicative habits might be hindering your success and other peoples’ understanding? To put it simply—What role does your communication style play in your business?