"Thighs of nymphs at dawn"

"Famous chef “sells” idea to prince, by stating conclusion first"

World renowned chef Auguste Escoffier proved that the manner in which an idea is communicated can determine how well it is received by another person.

While he was master chef at the Savoy Restaurant in London, one of Escoffier’s patrons was Edward, Prince of Wales. Upon reading the menu, Edward was fascinated by one item called “Cuisses de Nymphs a l’Aurore,” which the waiter translated as “thighs of nymphs at dawn.”

It sounded magical, and Edward couldn’t resist. He ordered the “Cuisses.”

When nearly finished with his meal, Edward felt compelled to compliment the chef on such a unique and magnificent dish. He called Escoffier from the kitchen. During their brief conversation, Edward asked what it was he had eaten. Escoffier proudly explained that the Cuisses were frogs legs.

Edward cringed. It was the one dish he had sworn he would never eat!

Here’s what you can do: Even though you may not be a salesperson, when selling any idea to anyone, begin with your conclusion. That’s what Escoffier did. Instead of offering “frogs legs,” or worse yet, “varmints from the local pond,” he described his dish as it would appear on the table, as it would taste to a cultured dinner guest in an elegant setting. Likewise, builders don’t sell piles of lumber, they provide homes for families. Car dealers don’t sell heaps of metal, they provide transportation. So when you sell an idea to anyone, describe it in its completed, operable state.

Other articles on Selling

"Thighs of nymphs at dawn"

"Famous chef “sells” idea to prince, by stating conclusion first"

Other articles on Selling