SD 'Language Challenge' - Number 6!

Here's a reminder of what the SD Language Challenge is all about

Welcoming number 6 in our month of 'language challenges' - to get us all talking more about the everyday ways we can transform the diabetes conversation! Feel free to take any or all the challenges, whatever seems most relevant to you :)

Challenge Number 6.  The Sound of Silence. 

This Challenge is to allow a few (or a few more) seconds of silence to go by, before 'diving in' with an answer to a question, some advice, your own experience or an opinion.  Ideally, accompanied by a patient look, open body language, or a nod.  The latter is possible both face to face and remotely, as social media conveniently supplies us with emojis, which can often enhance our non-verbal communication, as well as words. So, maybe see if you can fit in a bit of silence in your conversations over the next few days?

Why?  Using silence may seem an odd thing to be encouraging in a 'language' challenge, but it can be very powerful even, or perhaps most particularly, for a few precious seconds in a busy, chat-filled environment or time-pressured appointment.

It can enable a calmness, a way to collect thoughts or to say something else that might not otherwise get a chance. Or simply, as with feelings in Challenge 5, an acknowledgement of what's just been said.

Challenge 6 is with you now!

Download 'Language Matters' here (opens PDF)

We really hope you'll share your thoughts and activities with this challenge (and all of them) via Facebook, Twitter or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Where relevant, we'll be using #sdlangmatters and #languagematters

If you're not on social media and would prefer us to email you the challenges, let us know by dropping us a line on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Good Luck! can't wait to hear your thoughts :)