what is clean language and how could you use it?
DESCRIPTION
Here's a different way to understand people and what makes them tick - by exploring the metaphors that underpin their thinking. Clean Language expert Judy Rees explains how this approach could help you and your team to collaborate more effectively, communicate more clearly and make your work more enjoyable.TRANSCRIPT
What is Clean Languageand how could you use it?
Judy Rees, X-Ray Listener
A good presentation is like… what?
“A command of metaphor is the mark of genius.”
Aristotle (384 – 322 BC)
“Metaphor. That's how the whole fabric of mental interconnections holds together.
Metaphor is right at the bottom of being alive."
Gregory Bateson (1904 –1980)
“Analogy is the fuel and fire of thinking.”
Hofstadter and Sander, 2014
Metaphor
• We use up to six metaphors a minute in ordinary English
• Metaphors spill out continually in our language because we think in metaphor
• Metaphor is the native language of the unconscious mind
Clean Language is a precision toolkit for exploring the metaphors hidden in people’s
thoughts
Created by David Grove (1950 – 2008)
Clean Language is useful wherever there are people!
Where does Clean Language help?
Organisations Creates conditions for the wisdom of the system to emerge
Teams Enhances collaboration, reduces conflict, supports creativity
Pairs Improves communication and reduces misunderstandings
Individuals Creates clarity, resolves problems
Results: Teams
“People are now engaging more effectively with each other… listening and verifying their understanding… getting better answers… being more productive…
“Another positive impact that we have seen is the reduction in conflicts due to misunderstandings. This can be a big time waster causing confusion and frustration.”
Corinne Knight, BSkyB Broadcast IT, London
Skills Developed Include:
• Listening and asking good questions• Thinking more clearly• Giving usable feedback• Appreciating diversity• Speaking up• Making meetings deliver• Resolving and preventing conflicts
Background Reading
Results: Coaching
“The main thing was the huge amount of clarity the session gave me. In only 45 minutes I went from feeling a bit fuzzy and unclear about some of the things I wanted to change, to having such a clear vision on what my next steps will be.”
Joris Vincken, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Judy Rees
• Co-author of Clean Language: Revealing Metaphors and Opening Minds (2008)
• Background in journalism and media IT• Based in Brentford, West London• Works with individuals and teams worldwide
via phone, web conferencing etc
Contact Judy Reesvia
www.xraylistening.com