Chapter 7 of To Sell is Human explores the art and science of pitching — the ability to distill one’s point to its persuasive essence. Along the way I show why we need to move beyond the elevator pitch and why the social science says we should pitch with questions and even rhymes.

But I never expected the question pitch and the rhyming pitch to cross paths with the age-old (for this blog) topic of emotionally intelligent signage.

Then I went to the Seattle airport a few days ago and saw this rhyming pitch for waste disposal.

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The following day, Derek Coburn sent this photo, which shows a question pitch on a Washington, DC, bus stop.

veggies

Is this a thing? Do pitches that rhyme belong on a sign?

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IN OTHER NEWS  . . . 

The TSIH Book Tour heads toward Southern California tomorrow. Here’s what’s on tap if you’d like to join us:

Irvine: Linked Orange County (Weds. 1/16 at 630pm)

Los Angeles: Live Talks LA (Thurs. 1/17 at 745am)

Santa Monica: Think LA/Live Talks LA (Thurs. 1/17 at 7pm)

 

4 Responses to “Do pitches that rhyme belong on a sign?”

  1. Mack McCoy says:

    Why wouldn’t pitches that rhyme belong on a sign? If reaching people is the key, why can’t we? 😉

    Our childhood is often littered with rhyming stories and phrases precisely because they’re memorable. Since THE two goals of advertising are to be remembered & drive a desired action, rhyming might accomplish at least one and possibly both. Further, since rhyming evokes fond memories or feelings for many, it increases the likelihood of the desired action too since its now associated with something pleasant or positive. So, rhyming is fun and gets it done!

  2. Katherine says:

    Yes, I think, Mr. Pink.

  3. Clive Rushton says:

    ‘If the glove don’t fit, you must acquit.’

  4. Jeff Russell says:

    I say yes. It is believed that one of the main purposes for Shakespeare writing sonnets in an ababcdcd rhyme scheme was to make them memorable to the actors.

    Also, any stops for the tour in sunny San Diego, CA? I know you have a big following here 🙂