* Metals have free electrons that can move easily, allowing them to conduct electricity in their solid state. When dissolved or melted, these electrons become even more mobile, increasing conductivity.

* Salts are ionic compounds, meaning they consist of positively and negatively charged ions. When dissolved in water or melted, these ions become free to move, allowing the solution or melt to conduct electricity.

It's important to note that this is just one similarity. Metals and salts have many differences as well.