Yellow Light: Potential Behavior

A third class of verbal behaviors is defined by SAVI as 'potential'.  Behaviors defined as 'potential' do not directly reduce tensions generated by dissonance found within a communication system, nor do they sufficiently discriminate between approach and avoidance.  Instead, determining the function of potential behavior within a communication system depends upon the level of noise already present in the system.  In other words, the function of potential behaviors depends not on the potential messages themselves, but rather on what response they generate.  Direction of either approach or avoidance for potential behaviors can not be established until an approach or avoidance pattern can be established through responses.  
 

The function of potential behavior depends on context, which is why potential behaviors are referred to as 'neutral'.  Potential behaviors characteristically inquire about information or contribute new information to the system, serving as a resource for either 'red' or 'green' behavior, whichever is more prevalent.  When potential behavior is followed by more potential behavior, no evidence exists that information is getting used at all (cross-purpose communication). 

Potential behaviors are neutrally toned.  If not, they join 'red' behavior when tone indicates a goal to fight, obscure or compete.  Personal information can be defined as 'potential', differing from 'green' light behavior in that, while personal, the information contained within the message is limited to factual information about the self, like personal history, credentials, personal likes and dislikes.  This type of personal information lacks the 'feeling' aspect that characterizes approach behaviors.      

see SAVI GRID