Examples prove the rule

Illustrate your point with for instances

You could say that in Cleopatra’s time, women had few legal rights. Or you could say, as Stacy Schiff does in Cleopatra: A Life:

When it comes to writing concretely, lead by example. Add an example — an illustration or a “for instance” — to prove your point.

Why? Concrete examples like Darth Vader toothbrushes and Pepto-Bismol-slathered schnauzers change pictures in readers’ minds and move them to act.

Or, as my favorite philosopher, Anonymous, says, “A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice.” And as Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Prize-winning theologian, writes, “Example isn’t the main thing influencing others. It’s the only thing.”

For your inspiration, here are three more examples of examples from Cleopatra: A Life:

1. Paint a picture.

This passage shows the street life during Cleopatra’s day in a handful of concrete examples:

2. Bring personality to life.

This example gives readers better insight into a name from history books and plays:

And:

“Insatiable collector” says one thing. “Started a war for freshwater pearls” says something else again.

3. Illustrate culture.

And it’s one thing to say “a good Roman avoided Greek” and another to offer these examples:

Show, don’t just tell.

Example is one of more than 6 types of concrete material to try.

“If you really want to shake people out of their reverie and motivate them to sit up and take notice,” writes Sam Horn, author of POP! Stand Out In Any Crowd, “say those two simple words, ‘for example.’”

How can you make your point with example?

What questions do you have about using examples in your message?