Want to leave a lasting image in your readers' minds?  You may want to go beyond concrete words in your writing, using figurative language that adds some literary elements to your work.

Figurative language includes instruments such as similes, metaphors, allusions and personifications, all of which serve to enhance how you are able to convey ideas.  While normally the domain of literary pieces, similar techniques can be employed in non-fiction work.  In fact, many news and human interest articles regularly employ them to foster more effective communication.

What's the main benefit of employing these kinds of literary devices?  Apart from creating a more complete picture in your reader's mind, they are a great vehicle for delivering emotional components through your writing.  If you want to hook your reader into the piece, instead of merely informing them, integrating these elements is your likely best bet for achieving it.

For many writers who produce non-fiction on a regular basis (such as journalists, for instance), using these writing instruments often serve as a refreshing break from the methodical, no-nonsense style they're usually accustomed to.  A lot of the time, they make perfect sense when used on subjects that involve some sort of heartwarming element, especially to highlight that particular facet of the topic.

As a way to entertain your readers as much as to communicate facts, employing figurative language can be tricky.  In fact, I'd implore you to make a thorough reading of areas where you added them, apart from running it through a writing software like usual.