Using SAVI® – Frequently Asked Questions

We are a small team with passion for our work

Our goal with these guidelines is to:

  • Clarify the boundaries around the use of SAVI
  • Maintain the integrity of the model
  • Support participants to successfully take SAVI into their work and personal lives
If I’ve received training in SAVI but have not been certified as a trainer, how may I use SAVI in my work?

Once you have attended a basic SAVI training, you are encouraged to:

  • Begin observing and tracking conversations using the SAVI Grid
  • Practice hearing and producing different SAVI behaviors
  • Introduce different behaviors and strategies in your own communications

When you have enough understanding of how SAVI works (usually after one or two additional trainings) you are  encouraged to:

  • Talk about these concepts with others
  • Begin to use SAVI as a tool with your clients
  • Start to map clients’ communication behaviors
  • Develop strategies for intervention

When someone has had sufficient SAVI training, they may apply for a Project License that authorizes a specific and circumscribed use of the SAVI model, negotiated in the development of the Project License with the Trademark representatives (Claudia Byram & Fran Carter). Holders of Project Licenses may include SAVI in marketing material designed only for the licensed project.

How may I use the SAVI Grid?

You may reproduce the SAVI Grid for your own use (not for sale or distribution). PDFs of the Grid are available here. Please note:

  • The SAVI Grid may not be altered in any way, and must be used in its entirety, including current copyright and trademark information.
  • The SAVI Grid may not be posted on your website or in any other published materials without written permission from the Trademark representatives.
How may I use other SAVI materials?
  • SAVI® is a registered trademark, and this trademark may only be used with the written permission of the Trademark representatives.
  • No materials other than the SAVI Grid may be reproduced without written permission. This includes the SAVI Definitions, training manuals, exercises and other written or digital material, tapes, DVDs, etc. These materials are under copyright protection.
Referring to SAVI in Academic Research and Writing
  • Direct reproduction of any copyrighted or trademarked material requires written permission. If you are interested in using SAVI in a formal research project, contact the Trademark representatives for support.
  • If referring to SAVI in any written material (e.g., research, blog, website, academic book or paper) you must be sure to cite the source of your SAVI material. Recommended sources are listed in our resources.
Referring to SAVI on Professional Websites and Blogs
  • Be aware that you are not authorized to publicly teach about SAVI or represent yourself as a SAVI coach or trainer in SAVI without a Trainer’s Certification or Project License.
  • If referring to SAVI in your professional publications be sure to cite the source of your SAVI reference.
May I translate the SAVI Grid into my own language?
  • There are guidelines for translation of the SAVI Grid into other languages, with the goal of protecting the integrity of the model as well as the copyright. We also want to make it available to people in their own language.
  • If you have attended one or more SAVI trainings and are interested in translating SAVI into another language click here to view guidelines.
What are Certified SAVI Trainers authorized to do?
  • Those with SAVI Trainer Certification are authorized to formally teach or train others in SAVI, and to include information about SAVI in marketing materials that imply you offer SAVI training or formal SAVI consultation.
If I want to use SAVI for research?
  • The SAVI Coding Manual is a resource for those wanting to develop more precise coding skills and for those wanting to develop coding reliability for research. It includes short recordings and coding exercises.
Are there other SAVI materials available?
  • There are two DVDs on applying SAVI to common communication challenges. “Coming to Agreement” when there are differences and “Giving and Getting Feedback.”