The Kitchen Cupboard Metaphor

The Kitchen Cupboard Metaphor

This happens often: I recommend that a student in my public speaking class increase her volume. To reach her speaking objective, she needs to sound more leader-like and authoritative.

“But that’s not me. That’s not who I am. I’m not loud.”

Now is the time for my “kitchen cupboard analogy.” “Do you have a spice in your cupboard named ‘Volume’? For example, do you ever cheer and yell at sports events?”

“Yes.” “So, you do have that ingredient available to you. NOW is the time to use it, so we can easily hear you and perceive you as a confident person whose words carry credibility.”

I would never ask anyone to raid someone else’s cupboard. That would be dishonest and inauthentic. But when more of a certain spice in your own cupboard is called for, you need to use it, for the benefit of all.

This way, you remain true to yourself while being flexible for each situation. Be the most appropriate version of yourself!

This happens often: I recommend that a student in my public speaking class increase her volume. To reach her speaking objective, she needs to sound more leader-like and authoritative.

“But that’s not me. That’s not who I am. I’m not loud.”

Now is the time for my “kitchen cupboard analogy.” “Do you have a spice in your cupboard named ‘Volume’? For example, do you ever cheer and yell at sports events?”

“Yes.” “So, you do have that ingredient available to you. NOW is the time to use it, so we can easily hear you and perceive you as a confident person whose words carry credibility.”

I would never ask anyone to raid someone else’s cupboard. That would be dishonest and inauthentic. But when more of a certain spice in your own cupboard is called for, you need to use it, for the benefit of all.

This way, you remain true to yourself while being flexible for each situation. Be the most appropriate version of yourself!