Use Sensory Language

Description

Use language that evokes the senses. Paint pictures with words. Talk about and imitate sounds. Discuss taste and smell. Shape things with your body and use concrete and tactile words.

Sensory language embodies the senses in a metaphorical way within ordinary speech. Mix the use of different senses so you get all people on all levels. Be careful not just to stick to the senses that you prefer.

Example

Visual language

That looks good
See what I mean?
You appear interested

Auditory language

I hear you
That sounds about right
He's a loud character

Tactile language

She grates on my nerves
I was thrown by that comment
That feels like a good idea

Taste language

What a yummy idea
You're so sweet
That's hard to swallow

Olefactory language

Something smells wrong
That's a noxious idea
She's quite fragrant

Discussion

People tend to have more of a preference for some senses and less for others, so if you do not know their preferences (as with large audience), appealing to a mixture of senses is often best.

Sensory language is so common, most people do not realize it is being used, which can make it quite a subtle ploy in talking with others, both on the speaking platform and in everyday life.

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Use Sensory Language

Description

Example

Discussion

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Disciplines

Techniques

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Site Menu

Quick links

Disciplines

Techniques

Principles

Explanations

Theories

And