'I'm a comms expert and one phrase gets people to listen every time'

Grabbing someone's attention in today's easily distracted world can feel like attempting to yell above a roaring aircraft engine. Whether you're addressing an audience from a stage, delivering a presentation in a conference room, or simply attempting to contribute to a conversation during a family meal, securing people's focus is frequently the biggest challenge.

Now, one expert has revealed what he considers to be the most powerful phrase for making people pause their scrolling, glance up and genuinely pay attention: "Let me paint you a picture."

Richard Perry, communications specialist and trainer at Event Display, explained this straightforward opener functions brilliantly because it prompts an automatic transformation in how listeners process information.

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"When you start a sentence with 'Let me paint you a picture,' you invite your audience into an experience rather than just a conversation," he said. "You're signalling that a story is coming and the human brain is wired to love stories."

According to Richard, the phrase immediately stimulates the visual processing areas of the brain: "As soon as you say it, people start imagining scenes, faces, colours, emotions.

"They're not just listening anymore; they're seeing what you're describing. That's a completely different level of engagement."

He added that the expression also makes the speaker appear more relatable: "It doesn't sound like a sales pitch or a lecture. It sounds like you're letting people in on something personal, such as a moment, a memory, or a lesson learned. That sense of intimacy makes your audience far more likely to trust you and to care about what comes next."

'Attention is earned'

Richard explained that skilled speakers recognise that attention isn't demanded, but must be earned: "People remember stories, not statistics. When you paint a picture with words, you give your message context, emotion and life.

"It's the difference between saying 'our profits are up 10 per cent' and 'let me paint you a picture: a year ago, our team was working through weekends just to stay afloat'. The latter creates empathy and a sense of journey."

He noted that this technique proved especially valuable for corporate presentations and public speaking engagements, where listeners typically endure endless streams of tedious data and PowerPoint displays. "Facts don't stick unless they're attached to feelings," he explained. "The moment you make people visualise something, you've got them."

However, Richard emphasised that words alone weren't sufficient. Physical presence must support them. "The way you deliver a story is just as important as the story itself," he said.

"When you say 'let me paint you a picture,' open your hands slightly, lean in, and pause for a second before continuing. That brief silence builds suspense and tells your audience you're about to take them somewhere."

Dominance stance

He also suggested adopting what he termed a "dominance stance" whilst addressing others. "Plant your feet shoulder-width apart, keep your posture tall, and gesture with purpose," Richard advised. "These small adjustments convey confidence, even if you're nervous inside."

According to the expert, something as simple as your body positioning can alter how people interpret your message.

Richard said: "If you take up space, whether that's by standing firmly or moving with intention, you project authority. It makes people subconsciously believe what you're saying has value."

Richard also highlighted subtle, often unnoticed signals that can influence how others perceive you. "If someone leans away or creates a physical barrier, like placing a cup or notebook between you, that's a sign they're disengaged," he said. "But when they remove those objects or lean forward, that's your cue they're truly interested."

He added that even the way people handle objects could reveal a lot: "If someone absentmindedly strokes a cup or toy with a pen while listening, it's a subconscious sign of warmth and emotional connection. Body language reveals more than words ever could."