# Implicative force ## Short definition Implicative force refers to the way communication creates consequences and invites what happens next. In CMM, implicative force describes how one speech act or episode makes certain next actions more likely, expected or difficult to avoid. ## Level [[LEVEL 2 — CONCEPTS]] ## Expanded definition Implicative force is a concept from [[CMM]]. It describes how communication carries implications for what follows. What people say or do does not simply express meaning; it also shapes the next possible move in the conversation or relationship. For example, if one person says, “You never care about me,” this may invite defence, apology, withdrawal, anger or repair. The statement creates a field of possible next responses. Implicative force is not deterministic. People are not forced to respond in only one way. However, some responses may become more likely because of how the communication positions people and organises the episode. In therapy, noticing implicative force helps practitioners ask what a communication invites, closes down, escalates or makes possible. ## Why this concept matters Implicative force matters because it helps practitioners understand how patterns continue. A family may not intend to repeat the same argument, but each communication may invite the next familiar response. For example: - criticism may invite defence - silence may invite pursuit - reassurance may invite further anxiety - accusation may invite counter-accusation - professional certainty may invite parental defensiveness - curiosity may invite reflection This helps therapists think carefully about what their own questions and responses are likely to invite. ## Non-clinical example A colleague says: “You clearly do not care about this project.” This statement may invite defensiveness rather than collaboration. A different speech act, such as “I am worried we are not on the same page,” may invite a more reflective conversation. The implicative force of each statement is different. ## Clinical example A parent says to a young person: “You are being manipulative.” This may invite shame, anger, denial or withdrawal. A therapist may help explore what the parent is trying to express and how a different communication might invite a different response. For example: “I feel worried and unsure what you need when this happens.” This may create more possibility for conversation. ## Core insight Communication points forward. Every speech act has implications for what becomes easier, harder, more likely or less possible next. ## Questions before a session - What responses are current communications inviting? - What does this language make more likely? - What does it close down? - How might my questions position people? - What kind of response do I hope to invite? - What speech acts might create more reflection and less defence? ## Questions during a session - When you say that, what usually happens next? - What response does that invite from the other person? - Does this wording open or close the conversation? - What would you like the other person to understand? - Is there another way to say this that might invite a different response? - What happens when professionals use this language? ## Questions after a session - What implicative force did I notice? - Did my questions invite reflection, defence, shame or possibility? - What speech acts escalated the pattern? - What speech acts softened the conversation? - Did I help the family notice what their words invite? - What language could be used differently next time? ## Related epistemologies [[CMM epistemology]] [[Communication epistemology]] [[Systemic epistemology]] [[Social constructionism]] [[Relational epistemology]] [[Pragmatic epistemology]] ## Related schools and models [[CMM]] [[Conversational]] [[Dialogic]] [[Narrative]] [[Systemic Therapy]] ## Related concepts [[Speech acts]] [[Episodes]] [[Hierarchy of meaning]] [[Coordinating meaning]] [[Contextual force]] [[Logical force]] [[Practical force]] [[Prefigurative force]] [[Communication patterns]] [[Punctuation]] [[Positioning]] ## Related methods [[CMM mapping]] [[Speech act mapping]] [[Episode mapping]] [[Communication pattern exploration]] [[Reflective conversations]] [[Meaning-making conversation]] [[Systemic pattern tracking]] ## Related techniques [[Speech act questions]] [[Meaning-checking questions]] [[Episode mapping questions]] [[Circular questioning]] [[Reflexive questions]] [[Positioning questions]] [[Communication pattern questions]] ## Related pathways [[CMM pathway]] [[Conversational pathway]] [[Dialogic pathway]] [[Narrative pathway]] [[Reflexive practice pathway]] [[Family and relational dynamics pathway]] ## Key theorists / contributors [[Barnett Pearce]] [[Vernon Cronen]] [[John Austin]] [[John Searle]] [[Kenneth Gergen]] [[Harlene Anderson]] ## Key texts / references - Pearce, W. B., & Cronen, V. E. (1980). *Communication, Action, and Meaning: The Creation of Social Realities*. Praeger. - Pearce, W. B. (2007). *Making Social Worlds: A Communication Perspective*. Blackwell. - Cronen, V. E. (1994). Coordinated Management of Meaning: Practical theory for the complexities and contradictions of everyday life. In J. Siegfried (Ed.), *The Status of Common Sense in Psychology*. Ablex. - Austin, J. L. (1962). *How to Do Things with Words*. Oxford University Press. - Searle, J. R. (1969). *Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language*. Cambridge University Press. ## Notes / source material Implicative force is especially useful for thinking about what therapeutic language invites. The therapist’s questions are not neutral. They create possible next moves in the therapeutic conversation.