A Paraprosdokian refers to a figure in speech where the last part of a sentence, phrase or sentence is unexpected or unplanned in such a way that the listener or reader has to reframe the original part. It is often used to create dramatic or humorous effects.
These are some “witty” examples that have nothing to do with selling insurance.
* Don’t argue with an idiot. He will bring you down to his level, and then beat you with experience.
* Being at church does not make you a Christian, any more than being in a garage makes one a car.
* Knowledge is the ability to recognize that a tomato can be a fruit. Wisdom is not the ability to put it in a fruit salad.
* Evening news starts with “Good Evening” and goes on to explain why it’s not.
Plagiarism is when you steal ideas from someone else. Research is the act of stealing from others.
* A bus station is the place where buses stop. A train station is the place where a train stops. My desk is a station for work.
* One match is enough to light a forest fire. But it takes several boxes to light a campfire.
* Dolphins can be so intelligent that they can teach people how to throw fish from the edge of the swimming pool.
* I thought I wanted to be a professional; it turned out that I only wanted a regular paycheck.
* A well-off woman was wearing a sweatshirt with the word “Guess” printed on it. So I replied “implants?”
* How is it possible that someone will believe your claim of four billion stars in the sky, but they must feel the wall when you tell them the paint is still wet?
A woman is the backbone of every successful man. A woman is often the reason a man falls.
To skydive, you don’t need a parachutist. To skydive again, you only need a parachut.
Clear conscience is often a sign of bad memories.
* Some people bring happiness wherever they go, while others make it happen everywhere.
* I live my life with a pinch of salt, a slice of lemon, and a shot or tequila.
* A bus is a vehicle which seems to travel twice as fast while you try to catch it than it does when you actually ride in it.
Selling Annuities or Insurance using a “paraprosdokian”.
An paraprosdokian is often used to effectively start an email message or sales letter.
You can grab the attention of your reader by using humor or wit to “lighten” their perspective. This will make them more open to serious topics like financial security.
These are some examples that DO NOT relate to selling insurance.
– “A fool is not a fool, and his money are quickly parted” – that’s why the stock market exists.
“A penny saved is a penny earned” – with less taxes, of course.
“People hate to be sold, but they love to buy.”
“I used to be indecisive.” “Now I am not sure.”
“Money may not buy happiness, but it certainly makes living with misery less difficult.”
– “Always borrow money to a pessimist.” He won’t return it.”
Most likely, you’ve heard of others or come up with your own.
Keep your sales letters and email messages short and to-the-point. This will make them more effective. Your “paraprosdokian”, always put it in quotations, and center it at either the top or the beginning of the page. Next, follow up with a short sentence that immediately relates to the opening statement. Make sure you end your message with a short, simple call to action, such as visiting your website, filling out a survey, or asking for a report.
