An Introduction to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) (8-7-08)

The preparatory workshop was held at the Acton site. The main objectives were to give a broad introduction into process and give information to those of us who are keen to take part in the practitioner course to be run next academic year.

I was very keen to take part in the practitioner course before the workshop, but I am even keener now! The practitioners running the course were very informative and provided a learning pack, a few PowerPoint slides, discussions and lots of activities.

Here are a few of the things that my colleagues and I learnt about;

Ø The origin of NLP. Foundered by John Grinder (specialised in Linguistics) and Richard Bandler (specialist in Mathematics) during the 1970s, their objectives where to “study and model ‘human excellence’ to see if there were any connections / patterns” (quoted from the learning pack)
Ø An overview of the study. Closely looking at the “influential components” involved in human experiences
Ø The principles of the study. Clear outcomes, sensory awareness, flexibility and taking direct action.
Ø The process that we go through before, during and after an event or stimulus. Before an event there can be many factors which will influence the reaction to the event. We discussed the minds filtering process and discussed in our groups how mood and state of mind may sway the subject’s response. Finally the outcome is the person’s reaction and behaviour.
Ø The Meta Model “is a heuristic set of questions designed to specify information, challenge and expand the limits to a person's model of the world. It responds to the distortions, generalizations, and deletions in the speaker's language” (www.wikipedia.org). Some examples of generalizations that we were given on the day were “I’m always wrong” and “I can’t give presentations”, sound familiar?
Ø The Milton Model uses comments and dialogue that are useful in directing another person's line of thinking. This works really well with younger learners in particular as you can ask them to do things without being direct. It can lead to a much better rapport and ensure that work is carried out. Statements such as “I am looking forward to reading your report” tells the listener that they are expected to write a report. You can also quote famous experts or role models to help emphasize your point. We watched a short clip on YouTube which demonstrated this ‘name dropping. The clip can be viewed by following the link below.
Ø We were also given a broad view of the presuppositions of language. This is where the use of key words such as if, try, but, don’t and thank you can have a negative result when given as a command. For example “Try to get it done...” is likely to result in “I tried but...” Other negative examples could be “If you can…” “Don’t forget…” We were given positive examples too such as the above example “I am looking forward to reading your report”
Ø Using sensory language. Discussing uses of visual, auditory and kinesthetic communication.

There was lots and lots more and even more information in the Learning Pack; Submodality Comparisons, Anchoring, Well formed outcomes, Calibration, Changing Behaviour, Eye Accessing and many activities. There is a glossary of terms at the rear of the learning pack.

After a final activity on "the well formed outcomes" the session was brought to a close. An extremely informative day.



For further information try;

The Sourcebook of Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to NLP

NLP - Say Anything You Like With Quotes