How to des ibe the - Alexandra Franzen€¦ · say what needs to be said, write what needs to be written, and be understood. Created by ALEXANDRA FRANZEN. You can read this book.....with

How to des!ibe the

INDESCRIBABLE10 approaches to help you say what needs to be said,

write what needs to be written, and be understood.

Created byALEXANDRA FRANZEN

You can read this book...

...with yo" e#s!What?! Yes.

This wee-book comes with an audio companion.

Click HERE to stream the mp3, online. (It might take a minute or two to load. Patience, my sweet.)

It’s just under 40 minutes long. You’ll hear me read through everything in the wee-book, and you can follow along! Good times.

Timing: Wee-book Section:

00:00 Intro00:23 A brief elaboration on why words matter.02:22 Approach No. 1: Explain it to a toddler.07:00 Approach No. 2: Create a character.10:14 Approach No. 3: Ask a question.13:40 Approach No. 4: Use the “Have you ever...?” technique.18:22 Approach No. 5: Define the obvious.22:22 Approach No. 6: Think: haiku.26:00 Approach No. 7: Show, don’t tell.29:10 Approach No. 8: Use the “But really?” method.32:47 Approach No. 9: Use the “X meets Y” technique.35:10 Approach No. 10: Admit that it can’t be described.37:35 Outro

2 Alexandra Franzen :: AlexandraFranzen.com :: @Alex_Franzen

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8856087/How-to-describe-the-indescribable-audio.mp3

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8856087/How-to-describe-the-indescribable-audio.mp3

http://alexandrafranzen.com/


http://twitter.com/@Alex_Franzen


A brief elaboration on

Why words matt$. “That which cannot be said cannot be thought.”—Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

“That which cannot be said cannot be done.”—Me

Think about it.

If you’ve got a brilliant idea — for a book, a class, a philosophy, a revolution — but you can’t describe it in words, well, then ... you’re kinda screwed.

Without the right words, all of that brilliance is going to remain trapped in your head. For all eternity.

Without the right words, nobody else will be able to understand, experience, or benefit from your brilliance.

Without the right words, well ... let’s not go there. Too depressing. Instead: let’s find the right words.

This wee-book will show you how to describe the indescribable.

It’s got 10 different approaches, with everyday examples for each technique.

It’s also got prompts & questions to help you practice each approach — ‘til they become as natural & easy as breathing ... while you’re sleeping.

Print this wee-book out. Recycled paper, naturally. Scribble wild & free. Let it be easy.

Now then. Shall we?






4

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE1. Explain it to a toddler.

One of the easiest ways to get to the heart of what you’re trying to say is to explain it to an (imaginary) toddler.

Pretend that this toddler is curious, attentive, and rather precocious. But, she doesn’t know (or care about) technical jargon, or fancy hundred-dollar words.

Also — her attention span only lasts for 20 or 30 seconds, max. After that, a piece of chocolate-covered marshmallow fluff is going to distract her.

So: your mission is to be more compelling than a piece of chocolate.

Original introduction:

Hi, I’m Alexandra. I’m a communication expert & writing teacher. I help people distill big & complex ideas into crisp, concise & elegant language. Often, my clients & students are entrepreneurs — though, not always. I also ... oh, I see. You’ve discovered a piece of chocolate. Never mind. Sigh.

Toddler introduction:

Hi, I’m Alexandra. I write about how to be a better writer. Which really means I write about being understood. Which really means I write about love.

What do YOU love, more than anything in the world?

Alexandra Franzen :: AlexandraFranzen.com :: @Alex_Franzen

Watch & learn ...





5

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLEPractice!

: If I was introducing myself to a very precocious toddler, I’d say ...

: If that toddler started to wander off in search of chocolate, then I’d say ...

: If that toddler asked me why I do the work that I do, I’d say ...

: If I had to describe my latest project to a room full of toddlers, I’d say ...

: If they weren’t even remotely interested in my project, I’d stop talking, and instead I’d play with them & teach them how to ...






6

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE2. Create a character.

Dr. Sara Gottfried could talk to you for hours (and hours) about the negative effects of cortisol — like increased belly fat, agitation, and overwhelm.

She could write a whole book on how cortisol creates a physiological loop that causes your body to crave more, even though you know it’s bad for you.

But instead, she simply calls cortisol “The Bad Boyfriend Hormone.”

And everyone in the room nods, in immediate understanding. Yup. Been there. Did that. Got the t-shirt.

When you choose a “character” to embody an indescribable quality, effect or experience, it immediately comes alive.

Original class description:

This class will help you become an unforgettable public speaker — and strengthen your leadership skills.

Character-driven description:

This class will help you become an unforgettable public speaker — and channel your Inner Obama.


Watch & learn ...

http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/

http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/





7


: When people work with me, I help them solve a problem. And if that particular problem was a character, it would be called ...

: When people work with me, I help them become stronger & greater. And if that stronger & greater self was a superhero, it would be called ...

: I am the { insert historical figure / celebrity icon / fictional character here } of { insert your industry here }.






8

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE3. Ask a question.

Sometimes, the simplest way to describe the indescribable ... is to invite someone else to describe it, instead. And then mirror back what you’ve heard. (Sneaky, I know!)

This is especially effective if the ‘thing’ you’re trying to describe ‘feels’ or ‘looks’ a little bit different, for every human being. Things like Love, Happiness, Success, and Fulfillment.

Let’s say you’re a psychologist who specializes in eating disorder recovery, body-acceptance & self-love.


I help women who are battling eating disorders experience more love — including self-love.

Question-driven introduction:

Tell me about the Love you feel, for your daughter.

Oh, so … you adore her? You want to protect her? You’d do anything to keep her healthy & happy — no matter what?

My job is to help you feel & behave the same way … but, towards yourself.


Watch & learn ...





9


(Send these questions to your clients, customers, co-workers, collaborators, friends, family ... anyone you love & trust.)

: What does it feel like to spend time with me?

: What are 3 things you can do now, that you couldn’t do before meeting me?

: What would you love to see me do / teach / create next — and why?

: How would you introduce me to someone we both deeply respect?

“Hello, Oprah. This is my wonderful friend, { name }. She’s a ___________. But really, she helps people to ___________.”






10

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE4. Use the “Have you ever...?” technique.

Most people might not understand what ‘financial illiteracy’ means.

But everyone can relate to what it feels like when you look at your online checking account, and the number makes your stomach drop. In a bad way.

By framing your description with “Have you ever...?” you immediately create a connection point — something (most) people can relate to, and understand.

Original product description:

This program will help you become financially literate — mastering the fundamentals of saving, budgeting & investing.

“Have you ever...?” product introduction:

Have you ever started working out, after months of being a couch potato?

At first, it’s ridiculously hard. After a while, if you stick with it, it gets easier. And before you know it, you can’t imagine your life without a daily dose of sweat. It’s part of your everyday rhythm.

This program will help you get financially fit, little by little, day by day — until handling your money feels as easy & fun as your 6 o’ clock Zumba class.


Watch & learn ...





11


: Choose a connection point — an everyday experience that the person you’re talking to will immediately relate to & understand.

A few ideas ...

Starting a new fitness regime // Going on a first date // Shopping for groceries at a new store // Looking at your bank account // Choosing an outfit // Booking a vacation // Checking your text messages // Trusting a gut instinct // Second-guessing a gut instinct // Ignoring a gut instinct // Getting criticized // Getting ignored // Getting a really amazing compliment // Going to a party where nobody knows you // Changing your mind // Saying YES too quickly // Being perfectly understood // Not being heard // Falling in love // Falling out of love //

: Now, write a description using that connection point as a metaphor for your ‘thing’.

Try beginning with “Have you ever...?” or “You know what it feels like when you...?” or “Remember the last time you...?”






12

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE5. Define the obvious.

We often assume that everyone understands what we mean when we use certain words. After all, most words only have one or two definitions!

But sometimes, the best way to describe the indescribable is to define the obvious. Offer a personal definition for the words that you assume everyone understands. You’ll be surprised at how often they ... don’t.

Let’s say you’re a career coach who specializes in helping people find meaningful work, anchored around their life purpose.

Original explanation:

I help people live out their life purpose. (Everyone understands what a “life purpose” is, right? Great. Moving on...)

“Define the obvious” explanation:

Before I explain what I do, I need to define the word “purpose.” There’s a particular type of pain & suffering that YOU were born to heal. It might be anxiety, fear, greed, grief, lack of self-confidence ... or even loneliness.

Healing that pain — for yourself, and others — is your purpose. And, you can fulfill your purpose in lots of different ways. My job is to help you choose the ways that feel the most exciting — and get to work.


Watch & learn ...





13


: Write down some of the seemingly “obvious” words that you often use to describe yourself, your work (or, the effects of your work).

: Now, write down a personal definition for each of those words.

: Now, re-write each definition ... as if you’re explaining it to a toddler. ;)






14

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE6. Think: haiku.

When I find myself rambling & rolling around a particular idea, I often tell myself, “Alex. Think: haiku.”

How would you describe yourself if you were limited to 3 short lines?

How would you write your next email if you were restrained to 17 phonetic units?

Think: haiku. It’s a liberating exercise — one that (usually) results in shorter, simpler, more powerful writing.

Original email:

Hey girrrrrl. What’s up? How’s life? Man, I miss you. So much to say. I was thinking we could grab dinner sometime? Or not. Coffee, too. Whatevs. When are you free this week? Or if not this week, next week is cool. Are you still living in that same apartment? Remember that one restaurant we used to always go to, on Lake Street? We oughta go there. Love ya. Text me. Bye.

Haiku email:

I miss your sweet face.Dinner at eight-ish? My treat.The usual place.


Watch & learn ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiku

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_(Japanese_prosody)








15


: Find an ordinary email you sent in the last 24 hours. Write it again, here.

: Now: re-write that email, in the form of a haiku. (3 lines, approximately 5 x 7 x 5 syllables each. Bonus points for referencing the sweetly falling springtime cherry blossoms, at the foot of Mt. Fuji.)

: Brevity challenge! For the rest of the day, write all of your tweets / text messages / emails / blog content as haikus.






16

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE7. Show, don’t tell.

It’s the quintessential rule of fiction writing. And pretty much all communication.

Show us what you mean — through examples & stories, data & demonstrations, visuals & actions.


I’m a palm reader — and I’ve developed a particular palm reading technique that just about anybody can practice, at home. Here’s a book I wrote about it. Read it. It’s good.

“Show, don’t tell” introduction:

I’m a palm reader — and I’ve developed a particular palm reading technique that just about anybody can practice, at home.

Wanna see it? Give me your hand, sweetheart. I’ll teach you the first principle, right now ...


Watch & learn ...





17


: What’s one aspect of your work that people usually don’t understand?

: How would you describe what you’re trying to describe ... in a live demonstration?

: How would you describe what you’re trying to describe ... in a flowchart?

: How would you describe what you’re trying to describe ... without using any words at all?






18

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE8. Use the “But really?” method.

The words “But really?” act like a magic spell, for truth-extraction.

“By day, I’m a _______________. But really? …”

“I created my program because I want to help people _______________. But really? …”

“When I told you I was disappointed, I meant it. But really? …”

Original email:

I’m writing today because I’m about to launch a book. And I could really use your support. Help me spread the word! Hooray!

“But really?” email:

I’m writing today because I’m about to launch a book. And I could really use your support. But really? I don’t (actually) care about becoming a bestselling author. (Shh. Don’t tell my publisher.)

What I really care about is changing the way people communicate — and alleviating the pain of not being understood. At work. At home. In love.

Starting with you.


Watch & learn ...





19


: I usually describe myself as a _______________. But really, I’m a ...

: I need to write an email to _______________ about _______________. But really, the reason I’m writing is ...

: The copy on my website’s homepage currently says _______________. But really, what I meant to say was ...

: When people spend time with me, they feel _______________ & they learn how to _______________. But really, what’s happening is ...






20

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE9. Use the “X meets Y” technique.

Try describing yourself (or your work, or your latest book, or your upcoming event) as a blend of two or three things that most people are familiar with.

Just like the “Have you ever...?” technique, you’re creating an immediate connection point that people can relate to & understand.

“Oh, this outfit? It’s late Marilyn Monroe meets early Marilyn Manson.”

“My latest album? Just picture Tina Turner & Adele together in a bar, drinking whiskey, wailing mournfully, and nursing their respective broken hearts.”

Original show description:

My new YouTube series is so good! It’s super-helpful and informative. I interview lots of interesting people, and sometimes it gets pretty wacky!

“X meets Y” show description:

My new YouTube series is The Oprah Show meets Pee-Wee’s Playhouse. Get into it.


Watch & learn ...





21


: My personal style is _______________ meets _______________, with a dash of _______________.

: My latest project? Just imagine _______________ meets _______________, except with more _______________.

: I’d love be known as the lovechild of _______________ & _______________.

: When I give advice, I’m channeling _______________ & _______________, with an occasional splash of _______________.






22

How to describe theINDESCRIBABLE10. Admit that it can’t be described ...

... but then describe it anyway.

Often, when we give ourselves permission to stop “trying” to describe something, the perfect turn of phrase emerges.

It’s kind of like when you shut down your computer & hop into the shower, and suddenly get saturated with a torrential downpour of brilliance.

You can prompt yourself with the phrase “there’s just no way to describe it.” Follow up with, “But if I had to try, I’d say ...”

Original love note:

There’s just no way to describe the way I feel about you.

“Describe it anyway” love note:

There’s just no way to describe the way I feel about you.

But if I had to try, I’d say ... you make me feel like coconut butter melting on a pile of banana pancakes, swimming in maple syrup-flavored hope & possibility.


Watch & learn ...





23


: There’s just no way to describe what happens when I work with my clients. But if I had to try, I’d say ...

: There’s just no way to describe how I feel about my best friend / partner / lover. But if I had to try, I’d say ...

: There’s just no way to describe how my methodologies work. But if I had to articulate the method to my madness, it goes a little something like this ...






When you describe the indescribable,you liberate your best ideas.

Please keep practicing ...






25

About theAuthor

I want to live in a world where emails are short, love letters are brave, and ‘thank you’ notes are scribbled by hand.

I play every day by making up songs about my toast, planning outfits for when I’m fabulously elderly, and dreaming up new ways to shine up & serve the world.

I write about how to be a better writer. Which really means I write about being understood. Which really means I write about LOVE.

The basic nuts & bolts:

I’ve been spotlighted on over 50 blogs & radio programs on writing, communication, creativity and entrepreneurship, and in a handful of books, including Grow Your Handmade Business, When Talent Isn’t Enough and The Declaration of You!

My first print book — 50 Ways To Say You’re AWESOME — will be released in September 2013. Mark your calendar. It’s gonna be MEGA.

You can find me online at AlexandraFranzen.com & on Twitter at @Alex_Franzen. (I’m allergic to Facebook, but I still want to be your friend.)

XO.

http://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Handmade-Business-Successful/dp/1603429891

http://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Handmade-Business-Successful/dp/1603429891

http://www.amazon.com/When-Talent-Isnt-Enough-Professionals/dp/1601632509/ref=pd_ybh_6




http://www.amazon.com/The-Declaration-You-Shout-Rooftops/dp/1440324662/ref=pd_ybh_4

http://www.amazon.com/The-Declaration-You-Shout-Rooftops/dp/1440324662/ref=pd_ybh_4

http://www.amazon.com/50-Ways-Say-Youre-Awesome/dp/1402285663

http://www.amazon.com/50-Ways-Say-Youre-Awesome/dp/1402285663

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com



Want more?

I got you cov$ed ...If you LOVED the prompts & questions in this wee-book, there’s plenty more where that came from.

Three things you can do next:

1. Hop over to my website & explore all of my laser-lucid lessons oncommunication, writing, self-expression, creativity & entrepreneurship.(You might want to start with these 15 posts. They’re awfully popular.)

2. Register for a WRITE YOURSELF INTO MOTION workshop. It’s a weekend of wordsmithery with me & 20 new friends. I’ll be teaching in 7+ different cities in 2013. See you on the road!

3. Prance over to my SHOP and treat yourself to a script pack or wee-book.They’re pretty, practical & delightfully playful.

AND!

If this wee-book — or any of my digital scribblings — made your day, made your week, triggered an epiphany, or helped catapult you forward, tell me about it.

No one on earth can do what you do, in precisely the way that YOU do it.

XO & thank you for being in my orbit.


http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/


http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/new-in-town-trot-this-way/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/new-in-town-trot-this-way/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/events/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/events/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/shop/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/shop/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/contact/

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/contact/





Copyright 2013. Alexandra Franzen Inc.

Feel free to re-publish a section of this wee-book, wherever you like.

Your blog, your book, your annual holiday newsletter. It’s all good.

Just use my full name & kindly link back to my website: AlexandraFranzen.com

You’ll find my bio & headshots right here. Gracias.



http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/for-the-media

http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/for-the-media

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How to des ibe the - Alexandra Franzen€¦ · say what needs to be said, write what needs to be written, and be understood. Created by ALEXANDRA FRANZEN. You can read this book.....with