Neuro-Linguistic Programming
As a neurolanguage coach, I strive to bring together strategies and techniques drawn from several evidence-based interventions, namely: NLP (neuro linguistic programming)- cognitive psychology, , motivational interviewing (MI) and life coaching – to form an integrative model for language coaching for individuals. This model recognizes the importance of considering and addressing three factors that can influence the outcome of coaching: (1) the effect that cognition has on enhancing goal attainment, (2) the match between the client’s readiness level and stage of change and (3) the emotional stress and/or mental distractions that a client may be experiencing in either or both their personal or professional lives. By taking all of these factors into account, what the integrative model offers to language students is a toolkit and structure in order to optimize their abilities, improve their performance, change their problematic behaviors, boost their self- confidence and enhance their overall well-being.
Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a psychological approach that involves analyzing strategies used by successful individuals and applying them to reach a personal goal. It relates thoughts, language, and patterns of behavior learned through experience to specific outcomes. Neuro-linguistic programming is a way of changing someone's thoughts and behaviors to help achieve desired outcomes for them.
Neuro-linguistic programming studies the ways our thoughts affect our behavior. It looks at the ways our brains interpret the signals they receive and how these interpretations affect what we do. It does this through language – the linguistic part of neuro-linguistic programming techniques. By examining how our brains process information, NLP techniques help us to look at our thoughts, feelings and emotions as things that we can control, rather than things that passively happen to us.
TOP 5 NLP TECHNIQUES
NLP techniques are action-oriented. Rather than focusing on the why, as you might do in therapy, NLP focuses on the how. How can you react differently to your thoughts and emotions? How can you adapt your communication style to the situation? How can you change your mindset so that life is happening for you, not to you?
1. IMAGERY TRAINING
Imagery training, sometimes called mental rehearsal, is one of the classic neuro-linguistic programming techniques based on visualization. It’s an excellent exercise for beginners because it’s straightforward and linear. The key is to create a highly detailed scene of yourself performing an action successfully – whether that action is nailing a presentation or perfecting your golf putt. Picture your body language: confident, determined, comfortable. Feel the confidence you exude and the energy that’s around you. Be as detailed as possible. NLP techniques like this are essential for creating absolute certainty in yourself and your abilities.
2. NLP SWISH
When you’re ready for more advanced NLP techniques, use the NLP swish. First, create a vivid picture in your mind of something you don’t want. Make it big and bright. Then create a vivid picture of what you want to replace it with, making it small and dull. Now reverse them: Bring the image of what you want into the foreground, making it brighter and brighter. Add triumphant music and motion. Throw the image you don’t want into the background, turning it gray and colorless. Repeat this reversal three to five times. You’ll train your brain to amplify positives and weaken negatives.
3. MODELING
Modeling is one of the NLP training techniques that has gained the most attention from successful entrepreneurs, athletes and more. It’s based on the law of attraction – the idea that where energy flows, attention goes. In order to elevate your life, you need to surround yourself with people who have achieved the success you want and focus on modeling their behaviors. You can find a mentor, join a mastermind group or model your boss or an executive you admire. The more role models you have, the more you’ll be able to leverage this NLP technique.
4. MIRRORING
According to the 7-38-55 Rule, just 7% of your message is communicated through words. Your tone of voice contributes 38%, but your body language communicates 55% of your message. Mirroring is an NLP technique that leverages body language to make instant connections and build rapport with anyone. When you’re talking to someone, mirror your body language to theirs. If they are high energy, match that energy level. If their body language is relaxed, reflect that. You can even change the words you choose to use to match their vocabulary. The other person will automatically find you more trustworthy – because you are just like them.
5. INCANTATIONS
Incantations are a more powerful version of affirmations, which are one of the more mainstream neuro-linguistic programming techniques. An affirmation is a phrase you repeat to yourself about your beliefs and goals. Incantations take it a step further, changing your physiology as well as your words to create a state of total confidence. Get yourself into peak state by embodying what you’re saying with all the intensity you can. NLP techniques like incantations are an effective way to reprogram your mind and create empowering beliefs.
These are just a few of the techniques that might be used in a neuro-linguistic programming and coaching session. Neuro-linguistic programming also starts with a set of presuppositions that complement results coaching, particularly the belief that the meaning we assign to our experiences is everything. It takes the approach that “failure is feedback” and if we find the lesson and get back up, failure is worth it. Most of all, neuro-linguistic programming believes in a growth mindset.
Neuro-linguistic programming is a behavioral method that uses the power of reframing to help people overcome their limiting beliefs.