NLP Language - Softeners

NLP language patterns cover a huge range of philosophies as well as punchy effective interventions that can provide devastating and dramatical 'home run' moments in any conversation.

A lot of times though, they just slip on by without any detection whatsoever. Kind of like the Shaolin Monk or Ninja of linguistics.

This particular set of patterns fits more into that style - intervention by stealth.

These ones are useful when it is appropriate to reduce the extent to which a statement can be challenged. We are bypassing defense strategies when we do these well - the person listening doesn't put their guard up to be ready to challenge. This can be very useful in many situations, particularly difficult ones.

Anything can be a Softener and a way to become familiar with the concept is to consider the following as possible combinations.

These are probably among the most effective patterns to learn. If you were to choose one or two for first practice I would include these.

Possibly, maybe, could, among the many, you may consider, others have found .....

Perhaps you could understand how it is that many people find learning to be stimulating and invigorating.

Notice how the above statement is difficult to challenge and yet notice the direction the mind is sent in.

Compare to "Learning is stimulating and invigorating." This is much more likely to be challenged.

Among the various directions we could go in now, perhaps we could begin to consider a few, such as perhaps budget constraints along with other ideas that ...

Note the direction of attention we have set up. We are more likely to get this on the agenda now rather than by just stating: "Let's look at the budget". This statement is far more open to challenge.

Given there are many possible applications of NLP Language patterns you might consider this one as an option.....heh...heh.

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