This document introduces Clean Language, a technique created by David Grove for exploring metaphors and unconscious thought. Clean Language uses precision questioning to reveal metaphors. It has various uses including improving team collaboration, communication, problem solving and creativity. Results from using Clean Language include people engaging more effectively, better understanding each other, being more productive with fewer conflicts. Skills developed include listening, clear thinking, giving feedback, and resolving conflicts. The document provides background on Clean Language's creator and contact information for the author, Judy Rees, who works with individuals and teams using Clean Language.

1. What is Clean Language
and how could you use it?
Judy Rees, X-Ray Listener

2. A good presentation is like… what?

3. “A command of metaphor is the
mark of genius.”
Aristotle (384 – 322 BC)

4. “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)

5. “Analogy is the fuel and fire of
thinking.”
Hofstadter and Sander, 2014

6. 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

7. Clean Language is a precision toolkit
for exploring the metaphors hidden
in people’s thoughts
Created by
David Grove (1950 – 2008)

8. Clean Language is useful
wherever there are people!

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Background Reading

13. 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

14. 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

15. Contact Judy Rees
via
www.xraylistening.com