The Two-Word Formula That Projects People Into Your Scenario

In the 1970s, cognitive psychologists began documenting how mental imagery activates the same brain regions as real perception. When someone hears “Just imagine,” the brain’s visual cortex lights up, as though they truly see the scene. That insight underpins countless persuasion strategies.

At a marketing firm, Emily applied this by opening her client pitch with “Just imagine your brand’s logo glowing on billboards across the city at dawn.” The room went quiet, and she noticed multiple heads nod. She paused, letting the image settle in each mind, and then seamlessly moved into her solution.

In everyday life, we often underestimate how powerful those two words can be. By consciously inviting mental rehearsal, you bypass lengthy explanations and tap straight into the brain’s experiential networks. People respond as though they’ve glimpsed the future.

This approach is rooted in dual-coding theory: combining verbal cues with mental imagery strengthens memory and conviction. When your audience mentally simulates your scenario, they emotionally invest before the first question is asked.

To use this in your next conversation, first decide on the exact moment you want your listener to “live” in their mind. Open with “Just imagine,” then paint the scene with precise sensory details. Pause to let the image form, then tie it back to your proposal or ask. Notice how much quicker they connect emotionally to your message. Try it in tomorrow’s check-in meeting.