How are you going to practice spotting metaphors?

When learning
any skill, practice is essential - and having a plan will make
practice much more likely to happen.
Here are some places you can practice hearing hidden metaphors,
listed with the easiest first.
1. In text
Whenever you are reading, pay attention to the metaphors. Text is
great for beginners because you have all the time you need to re-
read, noticing things at different levels.
For example, sportspeople and sports writers use loads of very
obvious metaphors, in newspapers and on websites.
You can warm up by noticing who’s “sick as a parrot” or “over the
moon” before wondering whether they are using the “happy is up,
sad is down” metaphor.
2. In recorded audio or video.
Again, you have time to rewind if you need it.
What metaphors did I use in this video? How many instances of
“important is big” being used can you find in the next Hollywood
blockbuster you watch?
It’s worth remembering that scripted material, such as a Hollywood
film, may use metaphors in very un-natural ways: indeed once
you’ve mastered this kind of mind-reading, you will often be able to
tell scripted from unscripted material by the way metaphors are
used!
Home-made YouTube videos and snatches of “candid” audio may
provide a more realistic impression of people’s everyday use of
metaphor.
3. In “as live” audio or video.
As above, but without the playback feature. Try reality TV shows,
talk radio, or the news.
4. Overheard conversations.
This is a useful - and fascinating - activity to do on the train or bus,
or while standing in a queue.
5. Live conversations in which you are directly involved.
You’ll need to split your attention.
Part of your mind will be listening for metaphors, while another part
will be following the chat and staying ready to respond if you are
asked a question.
Obviously, it’s best to start by practising in casual conversations
with friends, rather than beginning in your annual appraisal with
the boss, or a “we need to talk” discussion with your spouse!
6. Your own metaphors.
These are usually the most difficult to hear. Listen to a recording of
yourself, enlist a friend to help, or book a session with me via
www.xraylistening.com