NLP Language Patterns Custom Search NLP Language Patterns form the backbone for NLP as a whole. It is amazing what you can do with these skills. Over the years I have had all manner of professionals come through my trainings - educators, therapists, salespeople, psychologists, parents, health practitioners, coaches, trainers and more. All of them radically improved their skills with these NLP Language patterns. They are easy to learn and, with time, integrate into subtle effective skills. Traditionally in NLP they are taught through a model known as Transformational Linguistics. The jargon used here is torturous and the principles are dated. I have simplified most of the language patterns in terms of jargon and principles through which you can understand the use of them. This is simplified only in terms of the jargoning. Your skill levels can develop as far as you would like them to. In fact, I find the students I teach these days develop their skills to a far higher degree than what my earlier students used to. Today, they aren't wrestling with the complex models surrounding the patterns. I will be presenting the 'freed up' version of these patterns on this site. I hope you find them useful. Along with this de-jargonised approach your skills will develop dramatically if you train yourself to use these patterns in combinations.
|
If you master the principle you can do anything you want with them. Without this all you can do really is just learn them by parrot fashion and deliver them predictably on cue - not bad but you could be better.
In my studies and journeys over the years I have learned that if you are going to operate from principles make them as relevant, real, flexible and understandable as possible.
We just jettisoned academia.
There are four main language patterns in NLP:
- Sensory based language - VAKOG
- The Meta Model
- The Milton Model
- Sleight of MOuth Patterns
There are streetsmart uses and applications for all of these.
In our trainings now I have combined both the Meta Model and the Milton Model as I stripped away the jargon.
A great influence on these NLP language patterns is the work of Milton Erikson. A true genius and father of modern day hypnosis.
You would do well to further study his work.
Many of our habituated ways of speaking actually reflect habituated ways of thinking. These processes can lead to circumstances in life, that if understood at these core levels could be avoided or enhanced depending on preference
The language patterns covered here are best considered as part of the whole process of communication and not in isolation as they appear.
To be truly effective with artful language patterns we want to understand HOW they work. There are certain principles to keep in mind. From a purely practical perspective we can look at the artful use of language from two main directions.
- Directionalising the mind.
- Drilling down to precise and relevant clarity of detail.
NLP is also well known for it's applications in hypnosis (trance). This deserves its own special attention which we will do elsewhere.
In my opinion though, there is more skill required in using these NLP language patterns in ordinary conversation than in the pure hypnosis version. You can get away with a lot when you are performing a formal trance on someone.
Often, it is possible to note some people in this field who are relatively unskilled as they overdo the more hypnotic language patterns outside of conventional trance. You see it on their websites and note it in their trainings. Please avoid this. You can often detect it by noting the prolific use of the term: "the unconscious mind".
For now though, here are some practical working principles for NLP language patterns as I see them:
Language is a cultural experience.
What does this mean?
It means that we are 'conditioned' to respond to language in a certain way.
This is obvious when you consider the effect that someone's tone of voice has on you - everything from calming, alluring, authoritative to aggressive etc.
The actual structure or phrasing of language also directly influences us. Please note that the design, or use of these NLP language patterns presuppose a native Western English speaking culture. I can't speak for other cultures as such.
There are ways of exploiting this to great effect.
A huge implication here is that a lot of the proper distinctions around grammar aren't the best way to go in terms of truly influencing people. You may or may not take solace in the news that your well crafted grammatically correct sentences from school have no real place here.
We intend to find some of these cultural influences and utilise them in our everyday language.
Directionalising the MInd
This is an essential principle to get.
Another way to think about this is planting seeds or setting directions. The test of your communication is not necessarily whether it is immediately effective.
Have you ever had anyone say something to you that lasted days, weeks, months or even years?
This is stock in trade for a highly trained NLPer. This can happen totally outside of awareness for the person you are speaking to. Yet they will come to a way of thinking about something as if it was from their own initiation.
There is tremendous scope for effectiveness and good with this - also, it should be said scope for manipulation. I put my faith in human nature for the good with these skills.
Some of the NLP language patterns we cover work well with this concept, some don't. You adjust them yourself as you see fit. It is important to realise this principle though. A lot of your best work will go unnoticed and will have effect long after your conversation.
I have had people come back to me years after their NLP Practitioner Training telling me how 'that statement I said that time' was so life changing for them. Different moments for different people.
Now, I can't take credit for that. I was just directionalising my students to be more resourceful and interested in their own future. But I can take credit for having the skill base that lead to it.
Sometimes you never know when you may have the greatest effect. Train these skills in to be your 'default' way of communicating.
I always enjoy NLP study groups. These language patterns fly, and there is a palpable air of excitement and positivity present.
The power of language.
Sometimes though you want to be immediately effective - during meetings etc.
This principle is just as effective under those circumstances also. You often have other patterns working for you then as well - amnesia patterns, transition points, digital metaphors and so on. We will cover them elsewhere.
Bypassing Defence Strategies
Have you ever been presenting or talking to a group of people, or a person, who you knew was just waiting for the first opportunity to disagree with you or challenge you.
If you haven't try talking to a committee sometime.
There is a way of using these NLP language patterns to prevent this. I call it bypassing defence strategies.
You present your ideas, comments in such a way that it never enters their head(s) to disagree with you.
Of course, as with most of NLP there are supporting skills to go with this such as anchoring.
Rarely do we just rely on language patterns by themselves. Many times though they make up most of the array of influencing patterns that we deploy.
Clarity with Detail
It is essential to be able to delve into clarity with detail such that everyone knows exactly what each person means and what it looks like. This may seem like an incredibly obvious statement but it is amazing how often this doesn't happen. The results can be disastrous.
There are ways of doing this that are very elegant and undetected and ways that are just plain intrusive, nit picking and annoying. The most important element here is to understand this more as a philosophy and a principle rather than an endlessly repetitive language pattern. You can often detect a person less skilled, or elegant, with NLP by the constant refrain: 'How specifically? Who specifically? When specifically?' And so on. We will seek to avoid this and become elegantly effective with fast practical skills.
There are many of these NLP language patterns that can assist us with this.
As soon as you use language it is lacking in absolute clarity.
This forms part of the foundation behind the NLP Presupposition - The Map is not the Territory.
Given this, the trick now becomes how far down do you drill to reclaim some of this clarity? When is enough actually enough?
It is important to consider aspects other than pure content detail here. When does it become an interrogation, does this line of questioning appear as though you are doubting the other person?
Sometimes, it is better to note the need for more clarity and find a way to weave it into the conversation later, rather than have a hair trigger mechanism waiting to ambush all and sundry who are just a little too vague at times.
Unrestrained, this is a good aspect of NLP language patterns to test your relationships with - sometimes for the worse. Be careful.
Slipstreaming
Slipstreaming is taking advantage of existing momentum.
An example is a racing car driver slipping in behind the car in front and taking advantage of the lack of the protection from the buffeting and resistance.
A swimmer positioning themselves on the shoulder of the swimmer in front and riding their wake.
Competitive bike riders are constantly swapping out the front position as it is harder to maintain and those behind have it easier. In team races the best rider is often protected using this method.
Of course the most classic example is the formation you see in the sky with swans or ducks flying in formation.
How does this work in language?
There are ways of eliciting beliefs or a tendency to accept statements as fact and then linking your statement to that effect.
Very powerful and what is better is that it all sounds natural when it is executed well.
Again, some of the NLP language patterns lend themselves to this, and some don't.
Stringing Pearls
Imagine someone holding or wearing a necklace before you strung with Black Pearls each one worth $10,000.
What do you think you would notice the most - the actual pearls themselves or the thread that they are strung on?
Clearly the pearls themselves.
There is a way of using NLP language patterns like this.
You can highlight certain points you want your listener to get from inside any conversation. The content is irrelevant.
This was the genius of Erikson. He could have many different conversations with his clients while seemingly talking on one particular topic.
As with all great aesthetics, sometimes these 'Pearls' are noticed consciously, sometimes they influence very profoundly at the unconscious level.
There is a structure to this that is easy to learn.
Individual Language Patterns
There are quite a few of the NLP language patterns to learn.
You learn them individually but apply them in combination. They are most effective this way.
I will provide you with a way to learn, practise and integrate them as you go.
As you master these language patterns and reconcile them to the principles at play you will then be able to set about learning other ways to explore the effectiveness of language.
Believe me, there are more places to look than just NLP.
The great marketers for example. Their understanding of the psychology of communication is profound. Sophisticated sales techniques, negotiation strategies, a brilliant lawyer.
Once you develop this as a style of thinking and communicating there are many places you will find new 'licks and chops' to add to your repertoire.
NLP language patterns are just the beginning.
I will up the individual language patterns on this site for you to learn.
I sincerely hope this is useful for you.
They can be profoundly life changing.
Move on to Learning, application and integration strategies.
Return from NLP language patterns to Freestyle NLP Home Page
