History of the world in 100 objects
People don’t understand broad, abstract concepts. But they do understand tangible things.
So one job of the communicator is to turn ideas into things.
The British Museum does that literally with its “History of the World in 100 Objects” project. The museum has teamed up with BBC Radio 4 to create a series that uses the museum’s collections to illustrate big movements in human history, like “myth, math and monuments.”
Let people stand for your point.
And HSBC UK lines its lobby wall with a timeline made from pictures of people, places and things representing important moments in the company’s history. Visitors can learn more about the events by looking them up on a computerized kiosk.
What people, places or things illustrate major developments in your organization? How could you use them to exemplify big ideas?
How can you make tedious topics interesting?
Fun facts and juicy details might seem like the Cheez Doodles and Cronuts of communication: tempting, for sure, but a little childish and not particularly good for you.
Not so. Concrete details are more like salad dressing and aioli — the secret sauces it takes to get the nutritious stuff down.
Now you can learn to use concrete details to change people's minds — and behavior — at Master the Art of Storytelling, our business-storytelling workshop starting May 17.
There, you’ll learn six quick ways to add color to your message and how to help readers understand big ideas through specific details.
Save up to $100 with our group discounts.
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