Robinson and other instructors teach a hierarchy of illustrative materials.  In a simplified four-level hierarchy the list would be as follows:

Level 1 illustrations come from the experience of both the speaker and listeners.

Level 2 illustrations come from the experience of the listeners, but the speaker has to learn about them since they have not personally experienced the same.

Level 3 illustrations come from the experience of the speaker, but must be learned by the listeners.

Level 4 illustrations lie outside the experience of both speaker and listener.

Level 1 illustrations can be brief and passing, but don’t have to be.  The experience of joining the shortest line of people, but ending up in the slowest is probably one we’ve all experienced at some point.  That kind of life situation is easy to include and can connect quickly with listeners.  However, even here, it is important to remember that images take time to form in the minds of listeners, so it may be worth adding some detail and taking some extra time.

Lower level illustrations need more time in delivery.  If people need to learn about something in order to get the illustration, then the illustration must take more time.  A throw-away line about a movie, a historical event, a personal experience of yours, and so on will not form in the minds of the listeners and so will either be missed or create confusion.  Be sure to take the extra thirty seconds, minute or longer to make sure you are actually communicating as you speak.  Alternatively try to use a level 1 or 2 illustration since it will probably be more effective anyway!

Lower level illustrations need more time in preparation.  If you are speaking outside your own experience, then you must take the time to learn what you are talking about.  Extra research!  For instance, if you are single but want to give a “married” illustration of some kind, it would be worth talking to a couple of married folks to be sure you communicate accurately.  Or if you have experienced something but the listeners haven’t, it might be worth checking with a couple of folks to make sure what they hear is what you intend (for instance when you refer to an aspect of your job or ministry).

We probably would do well to take extra time on most illustrations and pieces of support material.  However, as you move down the levels, more time becomes a necessity.  Not only in delivery, but also in preparation.