What is clean language?

Clean Language uses a set of simple, precise questions in combination with a person’s own words to help people notice how they think and communicate. This surprisingly powerful tool can create space for people to access their own best thinking, leading to insight, alignment, and lasting change.

how people use it

Leaders use Clean Language to clarify vision and align teams. Facilitators and coaches use it to help clients uncover what matters most and new, aligned ways to move forward. Organizations use it to build cultures of trust and continuous learning.

Participants have applied tools and insights from Clean in Montana to lead better C-suite conversations and meetings, facilitate workshops, teach students, coach executives, and communicate across differences — in business, education, community, and beyond.

"It’s a bootcamp for developing your curiosity."

Tamara Nicholl-Smith, 2026 Clean in Montana participant (2026)
"Simple questions that somehow open entire worlds. I left Montana with my mind stretched, my curiosity sharpened, and a growing sense that this is only the beginning of something for me."

Jorge Lopez, 2026 Clean in Montana participant
"The work isn't taught; it's practiced, explored, and continually discovered together."

Rachael Acello, 2026 Clean in Montana participant (third-time Clean Language attendee)
"I arrived expecting to learn a new approach to communication. I left with a growing sense that some of the most meaningful learning comes from paying closer attention to what is already present."

Yasmin Acosta-Myers, 2026 Clean in Montana participant
"Clean as a tool that can reveal what is already there... even when things get muddy I can splash a little water (or a clean question) to see something more clearly."

Becca Kreuger, 2026 Clean in Montana participant
“‘Know what you’re up to.’ That line, which I first heard at Clean in Montana, helps you own how you show up, your influence, and your motives. It's all about acknowledging our humanness. We’re always up to something... Once you unlock that piece, it can transform dynamics and impact in powerful and responsible ways."

Karen Lum, 2025 Clean in Montana participant
“I felt completely safe in their hands. Like I could just listen, learn, and trust the process.”

Lorca Smetana, 2025 & 2026 Clean in Montana participant
“The content was fascinating and different from anything I’d ever studied. It was refreshing. I wanted to keep learning more and practicing more.”

Mariel Butan, 2025 & 2026 Clean in Montana participant
"When I use what I learned at Clean in Montana, it usually leads to good conversation and a better understanding of what the other person is dealing with, especially when I think about intended outcome.”

Kayte Kaminski, 2025 & 2026 Clean in Montana participant

What is clean language?

how people use it

"It’s a bootcamp for developing your curiosity."

"Simple questions that somehow open entire worlds. I left Montana with my mind stretched, my curiosity sharpened, and a growing sense that this is only the beginning of something for me."

"The work isn't taught; it's practiced, explored, and continually discovered together."

"I arrived expecting to learn a new approach to communication. I left with a growing sense that some of the most meaningful learning comes from paying closer attention to what is already present."

"Clean as a tool that can reveal what is already there... even when things get muddy I can splash a little water (or a clean question) to see something more clearly."

“I felt completely safe in their hands. Like I could just listen, learn, and trust the process.”

“The content was fascinating and different from anything I’d ever studied. It was refreshing. I wanted to keep learning more and practicing more.”

"When I use what I learned at Clean in Montana, it usually leads to good conversation and a better understanding of what the other person is dealing with, especially when I think about intended outcome.”