Language Matters

The feedback we gain from our workshops helps us to grow and develop our programs, and we are always grateful that our participants take the time to share their thoughts with us. We collate and analyse all of that data... well, SurveyMonkey actually creates eye-catching graphs for us, making the collation phase much easier! Overwhelmingly, what we hear from workshop participants is that the concept they plan to implement tomorrow, from their learnings today, is the use of affective statements.

So, what is an affective statement, and why do they resonate so strongly?

Affective statements are a fundamental component of restorative practice. They are a form of language used to reinforce positive behaviours or address challenging situations constructively. They are a construct for language that allow individuals to express their feelings in a way that does not assign blame. It all starts with an “I” statement, followed by a description of how specific behaviours or incidents have affected them. This sequence allows individuals to communicate their feelings in a non-confrontational, non-judgmental manner, encouraging others to reflect on their actions and the impact it had on others.

Consistent use of affective statements within any community helps to build trust and respect. Over time, all community members learn the language and with a restorative focus, our actions and words evolve and affective statements become second nature. Language is indeed powerful; it has the potential to support or harm, so mastering the use of affective statements becomes an invaluable tool.

I could share more, but then I may not get to see you face to face.

Stay connected….

Amanda