Wilkins Ice Shelf Described By Brilliant Metaphor


How do you describe a 40 kilometre ice wall in far away Antarctica that has just collapsed due to global warming? Scientists, geologists, climate change experts and glaciologists are not known for their communication skills.

The best way to describe something that is complex, intangible and difficult to comprehend is to use a metaphor.

This one is a beauty:

"Now it looks like a laminated windscreen hit by a stone."

Well done to Dr Neal Young, glaciologist with the Antartic Climate and Ecossytems Co-operative Research Centre in Hobart.

Want to know more about using metaphors in human communication? Consider our next speechwriting, media release writing and media skills courses.

Labels: , , , , , , ,