Dynamite was invented by Alfred Nobel as a blasting solution for mining. Nobel also saw dynamite as a way to deter war. With huge explosive power, he reasoned, sides in a conflict would surely lay down their arms. Whoops!

Using an analogy to make your point is like handling dynamite. Used correctly, it is powerful and efficient. Without having to think too hard, your audience quickly reaches your memorable conclusion.

One of the best analogies ever; the brain on drugs PSA representing your brain as an egg and drugs as the hot frying pan.

This is your brain.

This is your brain on drugs.  Any questions?

It made an immediate point and emotional connection that drugs damage your brain.

Mishandle an analogy and it can blow up. Jeb Bush tried to detonate Marco Rubio’s campaign by portraying him as a Republican Obama. Painting Rubio as Obama leads many to think of the youth, energy, and ethnicity the Republican party wants for the White House bid.

So how do you know if your analogy works? Use the framework from the author and speechwriter