I promised you something on the language of possibility when I first introduced this theme. There’s quite a lot to it, so I’ve decided to run it as a three part series, starting today, and running into the middle of next week.
I’ve also broken each part into three lots of three: to help me plan the series; to make it more digestible; and because we’re in a month of 9s 
It’s a while since I’ve written a series – hope you find it useful.
Part 1: Introducing the Language of Possibility
What Will the Series Cover?
What the language of possibility is, when you might use it, and who might find it useful.
Things you might do before you start writing with the language of possibility.
Language patterns and word choices that will help you create the language of possibility.
What is the Language of Possibility?
It’s language patterns that open things up for the reader, breaking through limiting beliefs, and getting round subconscious resistance
There are particular patterns we’ll look at around choices of verbs: selecting verbs that indicate possibility (could, might, etc) rather than necesssity (have to, must)
It’s the intentional use of language to create a feeling or state of possibility in your reader.
When Might it be Useful?
The language of possibility is often introduced by coaches to help people become more aware of their inner or self-talk: the way you tell yourself what you “have” to do. (Note: if that self-talk is full of musts and shoulds you might be getting yourself stuck with the burden of necessity.)
When you’re aware of the language of possibility you can start to look for it and deliberately use it in your own writing. The more you write that way the more it will start to change your own state to one of possibility. It’s a bit like using affirmations over and over: the more you do it, the more natural that way of looking at things starts to feel, until eventually you find your entire world view has shifted.
Coaches, teachers, educators and leaders might want to write with the language of possibility to create a feeling of possibility in those they’re communicating and working with, to open up new vistas and create a sense of inner resourcefulness, possibility and optimism.
What would you add to this list of times when the language of possibility would be useful?
Are you aware of times when you’ve used this kind of language with particular effect?
I’ve never heard that phrase “language of possibility” before…but from reading your definition, it appears to include the art of writing in such a way your readers give themselves permission to imagine “what if?” or “what can be?”?
One can always be exposed to new ideas, but unless one gives oneself permission to actually DARE to take that step…the ideas die.
.-= Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog ..The BEST Infomercial that was Never Made! =-.
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Joanna, I am looking forward to this series. The timing is uncanny. I’ve been reading Be a Hero and it discusses how to change your stories. Language is such a powerful tool and I think we often take for granted our choice of language. In addition to the points you raise, the language of possibility is useful for leaders, parents, spouses, and marketers. In fact it is useful in any relationship as it equips you to frame things in a way that shifts perspective.
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Victim or Hero? What is Your Story? =-.
Barbara it’s quite possible it’s a phrase I’ve made up
Yes, that would be a good way to describe it, but hopefully also more than that, you’re helping to shift your readers’ state so they start to feel the sense of confidence, courage and potential, to feel their inner resources which will in turn make it more likely that you’ll actually take action, you’ll dare to take that step.
Thanks for the feedback and, as ever, your support
Karen I was intrigued too to see how we were thinking on parallel lines. You’re right about the stories, the metaphors, the things we tell ourselves because that has a huge impact on how we feel, how we perceive things, and what we then do.
Sometimes that’s about changing the big picture narrative (whoops, that’s a bit mixed up but I hope you’ll get what I mean!) and sometimes about changing the detailed word patterns, the things we’re using without maybe realising we’re doing…
That’s what I’m hoping to explore anyway.
[...] and speaks of what can be done rather than focusing on barriers. Joanna Young has an excellent 3 part series going on the Language of [...]
[...] the first part of the series I looked at when the language of possibility might be useful, and times when you might want to [...]
Joanna, your post reminds me that I always using the “possibility verbs” in most of my articles. I didn’t know whether it’s good or not, but I just feel it’s suitable and matched with the condition.
Wilson I’m sure it flows from the kind of connection and relationship you have with your readers – I’m sure they notice the feeling of possibility those verbs create
As I begin to draft my first periodical query, this article bolsters my confidence that I’m on the right track. Just that much more motivation to “git er done.”
Leah good luck with the query. I’m so glad you found this at just the right time!