Allusions in Stories

Peter Guber demonstrates the power and proper use of allusions in chapter 6 of Tell to Win when he tells the story of how Bill Clinton persuaded him to help with his campaign.

Clinton chose to use the movie High Noon in his discussion with Guber. Clinton did not have to tell the whole story, he knew his audience was familiar with the story line and would get the connection he was drawing to his own campaign needs. Guber says "And because I had personally experienced the emotional dram, urgency, and ultimate exhilaration of Kane's struggle through the movie, this familiar story immediately triggered my empathy for Clinton's experience in the his campaign. I was moved emotionally to support the man we'd all come to call the Comeback Kid."

Allusions can be powerful and efficient, making your point with few words because of prior knowledge. Where can you use allusions in your business stories?