What is SAGE & THYME?
A mnemonic is a pattern of letters that assist in remembering something.
Watch this 2 min video to learn about the SAGE & THYME structure
| Letter | Word | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| S | Setting | When you notice upset/worry, think first about the setting |
| A | Ask | Ask specifically about the worries (if they wish to speak with you) |
| G | Gather | Gather all the concerns/worries without attempting to ‘fix’ any of them |
| E | Empathy | Say something empathic such as “You have a lot to be worrying about at the moment” |
| T | Talk | Ask about their support network – who do they talk to? |
| H | Help | Ask how their supportive people help them |
| Y | You | Your ideas about what might help with the worries and concerns |
| M | Me | Anything you would like me to do – then my ideas if welcomed |
| E | End | Summary of the concerns/worries/plans and a closing sentence “Can we leave it there for now?” |
The structure shapes the questions and interactions when communicating.
It guides the conversation with the worried person:
- Notice when people are worried or upset
- Respond in a controlled and organised way
- Use the structure to guide the conversation from their worries to their support
- Be supportive without having to fix their problems.
The SAGE & THYME foundation level workshop is taught to 30 participants in 3 hours by three trained SAGE & THYME facilitators, using group work, a presentation and conversation rehearsals.
The SAGE & THYME Online workshop (equivalent to SAGE & THYME Foundation Level and delivered normally on Zoom) is taught to 20 participants in 2 hours 45 min by two trained SAGE & THYME facilitators, using group work, a presentation and conversation rehearsals.
| Learning styles | Impact on learners |
|---|---|
| Mixture of presentations, discussions, rehearsals and films | Includes and keeps their attention |
| The evidence for effective communication is described | They feel motivated to change their behaviour |
| 'Rehearsals' where the structure is demonstrated live | They see how a situation suggested by them actually plays out |
| Small group discussions | Learners talk and share their learning |
| Short film of SAGE & THYME being used | They notice the efficiency and completeness of using a structure |
It’s a simple guide for listening - it allows worried people to describe their worries and what might help - it steers the listener in and carefully out.
When can SAGE & THYME help in a conversation?
Why was SAGE & THYME training developed?
Want to improve communication skills in your organisation?
When we asked SAGE & THYME facilitators from outside our organisation for some quotes about SAGE & THYME they gave us:
Informative, educative and empowering.
Excellent session, really good delivery from facilitators. Good amount of interacting / group work.
As a result of the learning I have done today, I am more likely to stop and think before I speak. [I] Understand the impact of my words and [will] allow time for the person to respond.