Introducing NLP
Introducing NLP - What IS It?
NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming. Wait. What? I can't even pronounce it, excuse me if I leave now.
LOL. If you leave now, that would be a huge mistake. It's really not as complicated as it sounds, and learning a littlle about NLP is a good idea. Even if you find it too complicated, at least you'll recognize when someone is NLP on you.
Now, in its purest form, Neuro Linguistic Programming is not that scary. Basically, it's the study of successful people and the premise that anyone can become successful as well, by modeling (or copying) exactly what successful people do, how they move and how they think.
Now, I am not a certified NLP instructor, so I'm not going to profess to be able to teach you how to use NLP or apply it. My mission here is to simply make you aware of it and point you in the direction to do your own research.
Who Discovered NLP and When?
In California, in the early 1970's, Richard Bandler, at U.C., Santa Cruz proficient in, math, psycology and computer science; befriended a linguistics professor named Dr. John Grinder. Bandler later became more interested in behavioral science and together, they worked on what was the combination of neuro science and linguistics... the spoken language and body language
The Computer Science Wiz and the Linquist
Together, Bandler and Grinder, studied the methods of two people. One was an American author and world renowned therapist by the name of Virginia Satir. She was also a co-founder of the Mental Research Institure in Palo Alto, CA. The other was Fritz Perls, the developer of Gestault Therapy.
So, Bandler and Grinder teamed up and developed a whole new technology, based on the studies of Fritz and Perls. They deconstructed and studied the writings and recordings of Fritz and Perls, extracting the most potent parts of their studies and excluding what wasn't work. But, there was still one more element to NLP...
The Hypnotist
Another person of interest to Bander and Grinder was the world-fmous, hypnotist, Milton Erickson. They were fascinated by Erickson's ability to hypnotize people through conversational techniques that he had developed himself, and they wanted to incorporate this into their new field
Other influencers of NLP were people who were considered great communicators of there time: Gregory Bateson, Alfred Korzybski, and Noam Chomsky.
Today, Neuro Linguistic Programming is taught in classes and workshops by leadiing sales professionals, lecturers, hypnotherapists, life coaches, and even in the secret world of the pick-up artist community. If you've ever seen a commercial for a "how to pick up girls" seminar - NLP is at the core of what they teach.
I reccomend you take a little time to learn some basic NLP techniques to help you in understanding yourself, your audience, your website visitors, the people on your mailing list, or just to improve your own mental health.
Where To Find More About NLP
The best place to learn more on this fascinating subject is Youtube. Just go to Youtube and search for "NLP or NLP 101", "Neuro Linguistic Programing for beginners". It won't take long to get up to speed. There are also many books on the subject. You are about to discover a whole new world inside your head.
Bon Voyage,
Recent Comments
28
That is really interesting Hall thanks for sharing, heading over to YouTube to have a look many thanks.
Hi Hal - I actually am a qualified and practising NLP Practioner and the idea that it is " basically it's the study of successful people and the premise that anyone can become successful as well, by modeling (or copying) exactly what successful people do, how they move and how they think." does not actually describe what is taught in the training or how many people use it in their daily lives for personal development.
Regards Beverley
Hi Bev,
I am liberally paraphrasing one small aspect of its practice as I've come to understand it in my own research. NLP has indeed been applied exactly as I described by many, even though it's main focus may have originally been different, and perhaps you teach NLP to a different demographic than I have encountered in my experience.
Though I've never attended the NLP institute or worked one on one with a teacher in person, I have read numerous books and articles, and watched countless videos. I have also practiced NLP on my own, unsupervised. So, I have experienced the power of this fascinating science.
I know there is so much more to NLP than I have touched on in my short narrative. My apologies if I have gotten it wrong. As I said, I an not a professional practitioner, and my reference to NLP did not establish it as a form of personal development.
Though it may have originally been intended for personal development, it is being taught by others also as a means of personal gain. I don't condone the use of NLP when used for all the wrong reasons, but my takeaway, sadly is that it very well can be and has been used in such ways.
Bev, I would welcome your insight into NLP. There is very little here at WA written about it. I think others would benefit from your knowledge, too.
Thank you,
Hal
LOL - Hal - Lesson number one - never ever shorten my name!
I don't want to argue with you. I know you want to share what you've learned, I just think you need to be careful when you make what appears a bald and definitive statement without making it clear that is one aspect of NLP. And yes personal gain may well be part of someone's personal development.
I don't share my knowledge of NLP because it's not appropriate for me to do so in this forum. That's just a personal feel not a criticism of you.wanting so share what you have learned.
Normally I wouldn't have commented, but I thought that statement was questionable without a caveat attached to it and felt I had to say so.
I am happy to give tips about writing and website building within the limits of my knowledge and experience because that's what the majority of people want. NLP is off limits as far as I am concerned.
You obviously have a deep interest in it - so good luck with your continued use of it.
Beverley
OMG... Beverly, I humbly apologize. I shortened your name without even realizing it out of force of habit. I have a very close friend named Beverly and I call her Bev all the time.
It won't ever happen again!
As for NLP, I think it is a very useful tool for self improvement and confidemce building. I know I focused on modelling in my post, however, learning about framing and reframing past experiences that have shaped our lives is a very helpful aspect of NLP.
If you feel strongly about keeping your practice private, I respect that. I was only trying to share something I found helpful in my life with the hopes that others might find it helpful, too... or at least, interesting.
Best,
Hal
Well, yes, Davida. I could have said that, but as a blog post, it would have been way too short. LOL
Very interesting Hal. Is this something you have been interested in for a long time or is this new to you?
Hi Hal, thanks for sharing something so interesting.
I've never heard of this before and will check it out tonight!
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Wow.....you're spot on with finding it interesting...thank you!