Training
Build the language skills that drive meaningful change
Practical training in values-driven communication, grounded in social neuroscience and cognitive linguistics.
Words for Change Workshop
Words are free — learn to use them strategically.
No matter what kind of change you lead, you’ll be using words to do it. Whether you're engaging communities, communicating research or advocating for systems change, language is your most powerful tool.
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In this practical, evidence-based workshop, you'll explore how language shapes perception, reasoning, motivation and behaviour. Grounded in the neuroscience of change, values activation, message framing and practical linguistics, you’ll learn to create messages that connect, influence and drive behaviour change.
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You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of:
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Framing, metaphor and message design
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Values activation and the neuroscience of change
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Language-based tools and techniques to clarify, connect and cut through in complex, uncertain contexts​​.
Who's it for?
​Ideal for leadership programs, community organisations, government agencies and purpose-driven initiatives wanting to use language strategically to shift thinking, motivate action and create lasting change.
Recent specialist Words for Change workshops across the social-environmental domain include:
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Rural Community Leadership
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Social Connection and Inclusion
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Community Resilience and Disaster Recovery
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Community Philanthropy and Social Justice
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Education and Youth Advocacy
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Nature Conservation
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Climate Change
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Landcare and Coastcare
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Natural Resource Management
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Riverine Ecology, Conservation and Management
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Urban Liveability
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Transformation of Public Infrastructure.
Why Words for Change?
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Distills practical insights from latest social neuroscience, cognitive linguistics and communication science.
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Practical, applicable training based on 30+ years' experience across the social and environmental sectors.
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Supports internal and external change from cultural shifts to public engagement and policy influence.
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Trusted by changemakers, leaders, government agencies, research teams and purpose-driven organisations.
What you'll gain
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Deeper understanding of how language shapes motivation and drives change
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Practical skills to design values-driven messages that change hearts, minds and actions
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Confidence to communicate effectively in complex, uncertain contexts.
Tailored for your context
We collaborate with you to customise workshop content and examples, ensuring relevance to your sector, audience and specific challenges whether in community engagement, advocacy, research integration, policy influence or other communication context.
What people say
"Directly relevant to our work & understanding that if you want research to have impact you need to understand your audience & communicate it properly."​
"This is tangible action. This is changing my thinking on communicating with impact."
"This was so relevant to our unique Landcare
situation, it’s rare to get presenters that can tailor their training to us so well.”
"It has given me the tools and motivation to keep going."
"It made me feel like I was experiencing deep learning that will have lasting impact on how I approach my advocacy messaging."
