Long before Winnie-the-Pooh, the ancient Greeks and Romans already adopted the idea of personification. Their gods represent abstract concepts, like jealousy, beauty or wisdom. A group of sister goddesses represent inspiration: the Muses
As Ray Bradbury reports:
“The Muse, then, is that most terrified of all the virgins. She starts if she hears a sound, pales if you ask her questions, spins and vanishes if you disturb her dress.
What ails her? You ask. Where does she come from and where go? How can we get her to visit for a longer time? What temperature pleasures her? Does she like loud voices or soft? Where do you buy food for her, and of what quality and quantity, and what hours for dining?”
Just like the concept of inspiration can be transformed into a human-like goddess, you can turn procrastination into a friend or enemy:
“Just when I felt ready to write, my friend Procrastination knocked on the door, she sat down on my desk, wearing her frilly dress, and offered me a cup of tea. There’s a crises going on she whispered. Wouldn’t it be better to check the latest news instead of writing stuff for a silly old training programme about personification?”
Strictly speaking, there’s a difference between anthropomorphism (look it up) and personification. Personification only ascribes one human trait to an object or idea, while anthropomorphism turns an object or concept into a human being with all their flaws and strengths. But either way, it adds pizzazz to dull and boring sentences.
To go full Winnie-the-Pooh in your writing, ask yourself a question like: What would happen if fear came knocking at your door? What if curiosity tapped you on your shoulder? What if this abstract idea was a god or goddess, your friend or enemy? How would they behave?
Let’s quieten that little voice that tells you you’re boring
Nobody is boring.
Everyone has interesting ideas, stories, and wisdom to share.
So let’s breathe a little life into your ideas and writing.
Because your voice deserves to be heard.
Erase boring writing in eLearning!