TEDxMerseyside - Caitlin Walker - Clean Questions and Metaphor Models

Caitlin graduated in Linguistics at the School of Oriental and African Studies and did four years post graduate research in Strategies for Lexical access including fieldwork in Ghana. She has since developed her linguistic and non-verbal modelling skills from small scale group development to whole scale organisational culture change programmes addressing diversity, conflict, leadership, managing mergers and creating learning organizations. She is passionate about trusting in the wisdom of groups.
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[@caitlinwalker]

As a result of the response to this talk - I finally got around to writing it up as a book. I'm just doing a third round of editing on From Contempt to Curiosity - creating the conditions for groups to collaborate - with clean language and systemic modelling. It's the stuff that came out of discovering Clean Questions and Metaphor models and applying them to group and organisational development - hope the people who liked the talk like the book just as much. It would be a wonderful result to have more work places and communities be operating as collaborative, happy and productive learning systems.

[@erikaamaizing-thewyrdingwa9297]

so exciting and such a good book

[@Gamejokertech]

So interesting, i have just turned a corner, wont get into explaining to much , truth be all told i am not sure what is going on but iv been looking at different ways to improve myself, and trying to learn some new things but at 42 yo and dyslexic... this is like trying to start and pull off a massive truck that has been parked on a hill for 20 years, anyway iv always been grate with people they just open up to me, its odd i don't get it..but i am trying too! and trying to see if i can use this skill to become a supervisor or manager, been looking at life coaching skills too, as i feel it might help, that led me on too looking into clean questions, one small paragraph and iv been Googling all morning, just wanted to say this talk was awesome...you made sense to me, explained it well iv realised.... I can relate to this.... i do this sometimes...not so clean ( if you pardon the pun ) and i am supper interested now to know more, so more Goggling for me! Thank you!

[@stuartclark9044]

I first spoke to Caitlin just before she did the Ted X talk. She shared lots of options with me as to what I could study other than her course. We agreed that if I wanted to change my life I would spend a weekend per month for a year studying for my ILM, my Clean Language Facilitator and my NLP practitioner. I am so glad I did and I have changed my life and it is still changing. We are now working together and have just started putting together a new course for Systemic Modelling. Course dates will be out soon for this year. We are also working with Marian Way and Clean Learning and the combination will be phenomenal. One of the best things about Training Attention is the values and beliefs that underpin everything they do. If it is not going to make a positive, good and relevant difference then they will not do it. It is not a majorly conscious decision; it is just how it is done. What Caitlin achieves is for all learning to be sustainable and congruent with clients needs and desires. I said if we can achieve this we will be doing just what I believed to be possible. to deliver what clients want in the way that they want it. I changed my life and I am looking forward to helping other change theirs. It's happening already.

[@catherinehowley9060]

Caitlins words are like a perfectly fitting piece of clothing that I forget I have until I tidy my wardrobe.......now it will be washed and worn regularly!! Gratitude xx

[@anirudhasopa7561]

I come back to this high quality content again and again.. first saw the video in 2023 and now again in 2024.. thank you for sharing these techniques

[@gerryandrews5935]

I continue to recommend all my colleagues to learn more about Clean Language, and Tamsin Hartley's Listening Space process as well! Amazing work !!! Thanks for sharing this.

[@caitlinwalker]

Thanks Gerry - I love what Tamsin is creating - there are all kinds of applications for Clean Language

[@jamesjeffers5825]

I use this all over the shop from working with long term unemployed teenagers to working with business teams. I was one of the NEET young people in Halton. It took them a while to persuade me to leave the house. I came on one of these programmes and quickly worked out what they were doing and why it worked. They took me on as an apprentice and now I'm about to become a full time employee running the kinds of programmes I first went on, facilitating teaching and learning in school and developing teams in business. It's quick, it's obvious and it works.

[@frwjbeb25]

I just wanted to say this is an incredible video. Really helped me through a rough patch I am going through... Thank you!

[@claireb3898]

I was introduced to this via an Advanced Coaching module at Loughborough University. I'm so glad I watched this. I love the concepts presented by Caitlin and it has prompted me to be more aware of the language I use and hear more clearly the language used by others as well as beginning to carefully experiment with clean language. Lots to absorb and learn. So many powerful illustrations. Thank you for sharing!

[@EnergyCollective]

A friend steered me towards this speech Caitlin. I'm very glad they did. Your story and insight brings to life and simplifies the NLP modelling/languaging system, adding a very human touch. Thank you for this.

[@shapovaliants]

watching that video again and again. Clean Language is definitely a magic. Thank you!

[@caitlinwalker]

Kindle edition of the book is ready - www.amazon.co.uk/From-Contempt-Curiosity-Conditions-Collaborate/dp/0957486618/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408912784&sr=8-1&keywords=contempt+to+curiosity or buy the hard copy directly from us at www.trainingattention.co.uk

[@zwillingseltern2008]

Thank you for your sharing your presentation with us, Caitlin. It encourages to ask questions for the clients themselves in spite of asking questions for oneself to approve you own solution hypothesises. A very practical example about using clean language & symbolic modelling.

[@novablaster07]

MAGICAL! Recently I consulted with a company to "create a new vision". When managers get the memo they are going to a 2 day meeting for this purpose, the response is not always one of excitment. With Clean Questions and Metaphor Models (CQMM), 22 managers created a fresh, vivid space for their vision to develop elegantly and naturally. Thru the CQMM process everyone one was free to be authentic with each other and discover each others values. Caitlin's TEDx really helped me model it! Thank You!

[@rosspastel9309]

Do read her book From Contempt to Curiosity. Absolutely brilliant! I recommend it wholeheartedly. Awe inspiring.

[@nlserafini]

TO: Caitlin Walker~-~ So Brilliant!! I think this modeling process is so intuitive, I have never thought to apply a name to it , let alone an organized explanation and procedural application. I just used it to survive, understand, and grow. Thank you for your Exceptional Grace of sharing this Wisdom with the World.

[@trainingattention]

@GeniusWithinLtd clean questions can be used to model almost anything - when the children I worked with first began modelling me - I discovered all kinds of things about my own dyslexic thought processes - I found out why, specifically, I can't tell left from right. Then as soon as I understood the model for it then I could devise a strategy to be able to do it. - When it's applied to memory, organisation, creativity - the way you are doing - the possibilities are endless.

[@mattrhys-roberts2983]

Very impressed with this introduction to such a widely useful system of inquiry, which greatly avoids the questionner's own well-intended biases. I can imagine no end of applications for this. Thanks to all involved in producing this video.

[@tortoisemind8896]

Great system for getting out of your own way. Thanks for a great talk.

[@robertbell4608]

Mind: blown Awesome. So many thanks, this will help my coaching no end!

[@gudrunstolzenburg561]

A fantastic and personal introduction into Clean Questions and part of the reason why I decided to become a Clean Question coach

[@qaisersheikh6845]

This is a must for all stakeholders involved with children and adults... Thank you Caitlin

[@caitlinwalker]

You're so welcome - thank you

[@annaagotahurl9323]

This is one of the most exciting self development stuff I've come across in a long time. Thank you so much for sharing what you do, Caitilin.

[@caitlinwalker]

+Anna Hurl Thank you Anna - let us know where you could use it. Best wishes Caitlin

[@dawnwormell9624]

Really inspiring, where in the world could Clean Questions take us? Isn't it always the way that simple methods can be so effective, and could be used in all areas of our lives. I have been using them to find out why my 6yr old doesn't want to go to school. With amazing results, our relationship has grown and he knows he can tell me anything. I urge everybody to give it a try. I cant wait to read Caitlin's Book

[@cougarbrenneman3045]

Great addition to the reflective therapies. I can't wait to try it, first on myself, and then with others.

[@zwillingseltern2008]

Caitlin gives great examples of the history and the impact of using clean language & symbolic modelling.

[@TheBallsProject]

Excellent. Anything that helps get us in touch with our *direct* experience, instead of the labels and story we put on it-- plus full permission to experience it as it is without judgement, will help bring us to the truth.

[@tristanhenri7968]

Fantastic! great video. Clean language is so powerful and has so many applications its a joy to work with and you can see the results there and then. Looking forward to the book Caitlin.

[@caitlinwalker]

Hi Tristan, lovely to hear from you. Always lovely to hear more about how you're using it in your practice and for your clients. Do write more or via clean language open community on fb. Caitlin

[@yutyuiiu]

This is simply fantastic.....midboggling ....soulful

[@simoneisser]

I must say this can bring big change in coaching/ healing clients. I would be interested in knowing more about it Caitlin Walker.

[@Funandconsciousness]

In a world full of WHY, this is a truly wonderful set of HOW. Love this!

[@richardbruce8111]

"I have 5 faithful serving men that serve me well they are What, & Where,&When ,& Who, & How" Rudyard Kipling. Great old advise ----FACTS why is usually an OPINION and is open to BELIEF!----the world is flat,, there is a god(S), you are nuts (what sort?)

[@ultimateleadership]

This is so interesting Caitlin. I can see significant benefits for helping people to unlock their somatic blocks and limitations and realise their full potential. Just got the book - its now on my reading list. Best wishes Simon

[@caitlinwalker]

+Simon Teague Thanks Simon - let me know how you get on with it. Just in Moscow where we're asking Russian coaches and business leaders what they'd like to have happen.

[@positivityandchuckles7790]

I read your book last year and I am not the greatest at retaining names of authors, and sometimes I read because I feel I should do. I loved your book and it is so inspiring. There are so many areas where it can be used. To be honest I am interested if it will work on my young sons but not sure how they will respond to as I wonder if they will have the vocabulary to respond in how they really feel and whether I can find the questions to create some of these metaphors. I think this is a skill that would be so great for them to learn. Thank-you to David Groves for the work and for you in continuing the journey. All the best :)

[@caitlinwalker]

Thank you so much for leaving this comment - it's just lovely! When working with your own children - its usually easier if you all do it together and some will usually enjoy it more than others - in my family I have two children who are good at asking others the questions but struggle to answer really open q's themselves as they generate so many answers

[@sbslistening]

Great video that explains clearly the power of this process

[@ecgoodman]

I've just ordered the book! Your video was recommended to me by a member of my 3-person NLP learning group and I found it fascinating. I'm going to enjoy exploring how I can apply it to my work around managing (or enabling) change, and also coaching tools for line managers!

[@caitlinwalker]

+RiverRhee Consulting Let us know how you get on with that application. We're currently involved in using it for induction of new employees and for performance management so it's a hot topic for us. Caitlin

[@ecgoodman]

+Caitlin Walker Thank you Caitlin - yes I'll keep in touch. Elisabeth

[@magistersax]

Saw you at the campfire...one of the highlights for me....I'm going to really try to get the hang of this...thanks x

[@caitlinwalker]

Depending where you are based there are some excellent short trainings. cleanlearning.co.uk/events/book/2020

[@TheRetrospective]

Super-interesting topic, thanks!

[@frankcohen3069]

It's been 11 years. I learned Caitlin's method 8 years ago and still use it. What has happened in the past 11 years? -Frank

[@MarilynMuckerman]

Thanks Caitlin! This was really helpful!

[@caitlinwalker]

+Marilyn Muckerman you are welcome. We're in Malaysia training these processes this week - always lovely to find someone has taken time to comment. Caitlin

[@Ggmaggee123]

This a very interesting and inspiring speech.

[@trainingattention]

I am honoured that there have been over 3,000 views of this TEDx talk - thank you so much for sharing it. I'm really curious as to what people are able to do with that amount of information? Are any of you viewers able to take the ideas and put them into practise? Is the talk getting you to think differently about things or is it confirming ideas you've been developing for years? Please do leave comments and let me know.

[@TheEnglishSisters]

Clean language is amazing as is Caitlin :-)

[@4disputes]

Great technique to learn what's really driving a plaintiff or defendant....

[@caitlinwalker]

+4 Disputes, Inc Absolutely - it was great when we applied it to Police Video Interviewing and it's also gold dust with young offenders. RiseUp in Merseyside are developing a Clean Language centred probation service

[@karenshieldsmorton]

Inspirational

[@sabrinapeng4703]

Which book should I read to learn more about this?

[@caitlinwalker]

if you're a coach working 1-1 the Clean Approaches for Coaches by Marian Way - if you facilitate groups than From Contempt to CURIOSITY BY CAITLIN WALKER

[@humanyoda]

What did she say at 12:19 and at other points - "who's not like that"?

[@caitlinwalker]

Who's not like that or who's different or who's doing something different? It's always acknowledge, expand and then look for alternatives. It's to give the group space to be as they are and to take on possibilities of being different. x

[@humanyoda]

She meant freeware, not shareware. One has to pay for shareware after a trial period or to get a full version. Shareware is also termed trialware or demoware.

[@caitlinwalker]

It is true - I don't really mean shareware - more open source. Clean Language and the use of metaphors for systemic change was originated by David Grove, the application to groups and the principles to apply it successfully were developed by myself and colleagues - what you do next with it is up to you - but please do feed back to us so that we can all keep on learning - I'll write what I know so far in a book to be launched March 2013 - I want to know what everyone else is doing too. x

[@humanyoda]

Caitlin Walker Did you mean 2014?

[@caitlinwalker]

humanyoda I do - mean 2014 - thanks ;-)

[@AARon-dd8ko]

watch later, this some big brain stuff

[@caitlinwalker]

Tell us how you get on Cougar

[@electroncommerce]

Wonderful talk! Brilliant technology of mental discovery! How do you feel about clean language used in the context of hypnosis?

[@caitlinwalker]

Shaun Hotchkiss and some others combine clean language and hypnosis. The important thing for me is to ensure that any suggestions come directly from the stated outcome of the clients - for example, use clean language questions to elicit clear outcomes and metaphors and then follow this with a trance induction using their words. What are your thoughts?

[@electroncommerce]

Caitlin Walker - First, thank you for your very considerate and thoughtful reply! Your thoughts on the use of clean language and hypnosis are very much in line with my own. The client must first desire a specific clearly expressed outcome. Then, clean language can be used to reveal highly personal metaphors that can be harnessed as powerful hypnotic suggestions for the client's imagination to manifest in their own subconscious mind. This clean language approach to hypnotic change work is much more powerful and meaningful to the client than simply feeding the client subjective suggestions that the hypnotist might think are best, or worse simply repeating what some hypnotic script says. Does Shaun Hotchkiss have videos online? Hypnotist James Tripp is who I actually first heard mention the power of clean language, which started me on my journey to more fully learn about pure clean language, and symbolic modeling outside of hypnosis. James is quite well known for his demonstrations that neither trance, or a hypnotic induction is necessary for hypnosis; therefore, clean language engaging the client's imagination using their own highly personally meaningful metaphors is a tremendous hypnosis tool. Thanks again for your time and consideration, and your great work!

[@caitlinwalker]

Shaun doesn't have a big on-line presence - he lived, travelled and studied with David Grove extensively in the last few years of his life and splits his time between working with adult therapy clients and being the lead psychotherapist with the young people that our company still supports - he uses clean language, hypnotherapy, clean space and emergent knowledge. He has a DVD, Clean Space, that's available from the office [e-mail]

[@TheRoyalflush666]

Don't get it..

[@caitlinwalker]

+TheRoyalflush666 What kind of don't get it was that? What would you like to have happen?

[@Michael-qh1ip]

@@caitlinwalker LOL amazing! I just purchased one of your courses while commenting on this. Great work

[@vincentfoster6811]

LOL