Presentation 7

Mark Le Messurier, New Year 2019, educator workshop 7 of 12

The 'ART' of developing relational language patterns
The power of words; how they can help, hinder or hurt relationships and authority (3 hours)

This explicit and practical session pulls together all 4 'personal and social capabilities' from the Australian Curriculum, in a way that might surprise you. The 'ART' of using constructive language patterns, especially in stressful moments, is a significant challenge in schools, in our families and in the wider community. If we're truly committed to coaching students to become more self-aware, and to manage themselves better socially and emotionally, then placing an emphasis on how to perform healthy relational language patterns has got to be our starting point. What about you?

• Do you formally teach students about language style – their choice of words, the tone and the impact these have on others?
• How conscious are you about your own language style – the words you choose, your tone, facials and body language, and the impact they have on students, colleagues and parents?
• Are you continuing to hone your communication style, in your personal and professional lives, so it is healthy?
• Have you taught yourself not personalise the over reactions of others? Instead, are you able to keep a focus on using words and body language that will truly assist resolving the 'situation' you're faced with?
• Have you developed a style that always provides opportunity to find resolution?

This workshop highlights, with exercises, our communication styles with each other. It examines the words and gestures we choose to use. Some that signal an intention to resolve differences with dignity. Others that signal an intention to seize power, win and promote shame in others.

I think the 'ART' of developing constructive language styles is both challenging and too easily overlooked. We can, and we need to, do so much better. It starts with us understanding what relational language patterns are, how to use them and how to maintain a relational approach in the face of a personal attack. It also demands that we teach the young people in our care to do this.

Educator workshops are intended for staff working in schools, for clinicians such as counsellors, psychologists, OT's, speech pathologists, social workers and youth workers working in private practice and for parents running home school. To arrange a workshop at a time that suits your staff, simply contact Mark:

Mark Le Messurier
Phone (08) 83320698,
email mark@marklemessurier.com.au