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Analogies are good ways to get information across. At least, they can be if used properly.
When describing things to players, often a GM may need to describe something that only exists in the setting, be it fantasy or science fiction or something else. This can be difficult, especially if it's unique or highly unusual. One way to approach this is to draw analogies to real world things that the players know.
The Mystical Orb is a sphere with a surface like looking into a fish tank, with vague, shadowy jellyfishy shapes drifting slowly inside. The Mass Harmoniser looks like a microwave oven, only with two doors on opposite sides, and an iPad-like console on top. And so on.
Commentary by memnarch (who has not seen the movie)
Oooooh, there's a good reason for this to be a pricey ride. That's a much bigger display than the Millenium Falcon has. Perhaps a little limited on the coloring, but that could also just be the schematics themselves. Certainly not intended in the movie as relationship comparisons though. The topic itself aside, this would be very odd to talk about with a character that appeared in only one scene prior with Finn. It feels more likely to be having a sales pitch for another vehicle, and even that's a stretch with the not-a-space-ship chicken walker.
I'm having a difficult time thinking about how geology could be made more exciting to learn about, but that's probably due to me not being a geologist. Perhaps if there are a lot of demonstrations of some kind. A great demonstration is always a good way to really grab people's attention.
Transcript
Finn: So, I thought I liked Allan, but... I can’t like Poe.
DJ: Odi et amo. Finn, let me learn you something big.
DJ: I activate the coffee table holo-console to illustrate my points.
DJ: Relationships... are like combat vehicles.
DJ: Some people are PIE fighters. They swoop in suddenly, make a lot of noise, and blow up at the merest suggestion of anything wrong.
DJ: Some are chicken walkers. They strut around like they own the place, but can’t survive an attack of the warm fuzzies.
DJ: Some are bombers. They drop loaded hints like thermal detonators, but have no defences and leave you dealing with the fallout.
DJ: And some are X-wings. Sleek, fast, thrilling. And when you find the right one, there ain’t no looking back.
BB-8: Because there’s an astromech droid back there.
Rose: Are your university lectures this eccentric?
DJ: Well, they’re about geology, so they’re a lot more exciting.