Words Create Worlds: Cultivating a Conscious, Life-Affirming Language

by Claudia Gross

Instead of, “ I’m sorry but… ” try, “ I’m sorry for… ”
Rather than asking, “ Why? ” replace the question with, “ Tell me more about… ”
And what if we changed, “ Boys will be boys ” to “ Boys will be held accountable ”?

Irrelevant semantics? Tedious euphemisms? The science says no.
Words matter. Words are powerful. They shape and create our perceptions.

Today, our lives seem beset by conflict and discourse.
As individuals, we feel powerless in effecting any real change.
But what if the redirection isn’t necessarily top-down?
What if we could be part of the solution?
Or even participants in co-creating it?

Recognised, respected behaviour studies, conducted by some of the world’s leading experts,
have shown how the words we use can directly influence our behaviour.
speak Green rolls out daily micro-interventions, focusing on our language,
encouraging us to regenerate, expand and evolve our vocabulary.

Whether you’re a language professional, a politician, a teacher or just a parent hoping to build stronger foundations for your children, Dr. Claudia Gross gives us a holistic, practical structure on which we can build.

Highlighting pluralism and gender positivity over polarisation, and igniting personal and communal growth,
speak Green inspires us to find and amplify the good in the world, and to make conflict resolution a positive sum game.

Do you think, talk, write and express yourself?
Then this book is for you!

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 11, 2022

About the author

Since her childhood, Dr. Claudia Gross has developed a deep sensitivity towards language and its transformative power. Initially, her inclination was towards speaking about "what is" and emphasizing "what works" and "what contributes to positive effects." Over time, this led her to curate a collection of red, traditional expressions and green, life-affirming alternatives, forming the foundation of her speakGreen initiative (www.speak-Green.com).
This initiative draws inspiration from Appreciative Inquiry, Positive Psychology, and Nonviolent Communication, the latter being referred to as "A Language for Life."

In 2014, Dr. Gross started sharing daily green-red word posts on Facebook. Through this endeavor, she gradually gained deeper insights into the magic of language and how our words create worlds (which became the title of her first book!).
She has published various articles on language shifts, created whiteboard animations for speakGreen, and delivered a TEDx talk, all with the intention of sharing insights, information, and inspiration regarding the power of language and how our words influence our realities, lives, and future.

Dr. Claudia Gross is a soulful Business Humanist, a Trailblazer for Organizational R*Evolutions, and a Word Wizard driven by a profound passion to transform and elevate individuals, teams, organizations, and communities through the language they choose and speak.

For more information, please visit her website (https://drclaudiagross.com) and explore her linktree (https://linktr.ee/drclaudiagross). Both platforms provide additional links and connections.

Feel free to connect with Dr. Gross and share your personal experiences of how her book impacts you and how you embrace the speakGreen philosophy.

Let's express the change we wish to experience in this World, day-by-day and word-for-word.


Words Create Worlds - choose the GREEN ones!

Reviews

[Sarah Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great privilege of being a pre-reader for Dr Claudia Gross' Speak Green book. She is truly masterful in her curiosity about how language impacts humans as we live, work and play alongside each other. Her innate awareness of and celebration of the different options available over the systemic and often unconsciously stifling words we are used to in this book is playful and collaborative.

It's an expansive insight into language and how we can do better to support ourselves and the people around us every day through more conscious use of words. And I love the imagery, it lifts and illustrates what is a very serious and important subject beautifully!

I look forward to what comes next in this series! 💚

[Maher Hamoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very interesting book, focussing on a topic that is both obvious, when we think about it in passing, and yet very surprising, when we stop and contemplate on the words we casually hear, say, or write. The book drags our attention (both semantically and technically) to how words have a huge influence on our lives (and others'), and how paying attention to the power of words can be a key element in making a change in the world(s) and hopefully have better life(s). I recommend reading.

[Muhammad Radwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The appraoch used by the author is extrememly helpful for my work in the media digital literacy sector and focusing on younger audiences. The themes we use and this specific audience could use a refreshing vocabulary, a motivational, and positive tone as we address challenges we face. The book offers a myriad of examples on how to do this tactfully. My colleagues are waiting for me to finsih the book, but I think I'll just have to buy them a few copies.

[Kara Northcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is transformational! Since reading it, I am now so conscious of the words that I use, making sure that my words are green, replacing the red ones that used to be common in my conversations without realizing it. It is thought provoking and covers aspects that I took for granted. Thank you Claudia for transforming my world and words.

[Richard Kokholm-Erichsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

GreenSpeak paves the Way for GreenLife

On the way towards a Thriving world where we all thrive GreenSpeak is essential as a companion.
Thank you Claudia Gross for this important contribution.