NLP Techniques: Everything you Need to Know

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the study of human behaviour and excellence. NLP Techniques are well known for improving the life quality of people, allowing them to live happier and more fulfilling lives. These extremely powerful methods enable people to alter the way they perceive life.

An NLP Technique refers to a particular approach to human behaviour derived from the principles of Neuro Linguistic Programming like anchoring, and many more. Enhance communication, overcome limitations, manage emotions, and achieve your goals with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Keep reading the blog further to learn some of the commonly used NLP Techniques! 

Table of Content 

1) What is an NLP Technique? 

2) NLP Techniques for growth 

3) NLP Techniques for communication 

4) NLP Techniques for change 

5) Benefits of  NLP

6) Conclusion 

What is an NLP Technique? 

NLP Techniques are used to either aid a person in self-growth, bring desirable change, or improve communication. These methods use verbal and non-verbal cues to encourage a desired behaviour in a person.     

Although the core role of NLP lies in enhancing communication, enabling change and facilitating growth, it also has other uses. Leaders frequently use them to deliver messages more efficiently to a large group. Another use of these techniques includes therapy, allowing therapists to detect underlying issues in their patients.    

In organisations, leading roles often use Neuro-Linguistic Programming to encourage and motivate their teams, thus raising productivity. Additionally, the knowledge of NLP Techniques can aid Project Managers and leaders in resolving conflicts between team members. Some of them are discussed in this blog.


 

NLP Techniques for growth 

NLP Techniques for growth refers to all methods which can aid you in overcoming your limitations. These methods can help you gain greater self-awareness and achieve your goals. You can use the NLP Learning Styles to use these techniques effectively. Some of them are as follows:   

Reframing 

Reframing is one of many popular NLP Techniques for growth, where the term "Reframing" refers to a change in perception. By seeing negative situations from a different angle, you can look at the opportunities within them. By changing this perception of events, you can reframe your thoughts and behaviour.    

The Reframing process generally includes certain steps for it to work properly. The main step includes identifying your core feeling, which triggers a negative sentiment towards an event. This trigger factor could be a mental image, a voice or a thought leading to emotions such as anxiety and fear.    

An example of anxious sentiment can be fear of a dog on the street; for instance, a dog is more likely to bite you if you start running in front of it. A better part of you would know that running or making any sudden movements might lead the dog to chase you due to its nature. However, another part of you would want to run because you fear being bitten by the dog.     

The conflict between thoughts can be solved by acknowledging that your primal thought is not optimum. You can overcome this fear by acknowledging that moving slowly and not making sudden movements is a better choice for self-preservation. It can also be used as an NLP for Kids tool to remove fear and anxiety from children. Some common Reframing NLP Techniques are mentioned in the table below:


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Incantations 

An Incantation is an affirmation technique in Neuro-Linguistic Programming used to create a desired emotional state within a person. According to Incantation, language commands a person's emotions, thoughts and beliefs. It works by stating positive statements with an emotional intensity to imbue a person with confidence and a positive mindset.    

Incantation's main purpose is reprograming people's subconscious into believing they can achieve something. It utilises physical gestures and movements to accompany verbal cues to deliver affirmation to people with the right intensity. Although Incantation is an essential tool for NLP practitioners, it works best with other NLP Techniques. Some common incantation techniques in NLP are as follows:

Imagery training 

The Imagery training technique is a part of visualisation techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, also known as mental rehearsal. This technique is quite popular due to its simplistic nature, making it an excellent choice for beginners. This technique enables you to visualise yourself executing a task flawlessly. These tasks can range from you acing an exam to winning a race, and they can vary and be personalised according to your preference.    

While committing to Imagery training, noticing how you visualise yourself in these scenarios is extremely important. You need to see yourself in a manner which radiates confidence; your body language should be comfortable but also determined. The visualisation will be better if you focus more on the details allowing you to build faith in your abilities. It can be a highly effective NLP Technique for Teachers, enabling them to help their students perform better and gain confidence. Some commonly used Imagery training NLP Techniques are as follows:

Anchoring yourself 

The Anchoring concept originated in Russia and  was discovered by a scientist named Ivan Pavlov. In an experiment with dogs, Ivan noticed that you could train dogs to salivate at external cues such as the ring of a bell. He achieved this by repeatedly offering the dog food when the bell was rung. This was achieved by associating the sound of the bell with the thought of food, demonstrating the neurological association between the two activities.     

Given that the two are correlated, you can use an external stimulus to trigger a certain state of mind. Take cracking knuckles, for example; practice cracking knuckles every time you feel confident and determined. Eventually, you would have the ability to invoke confidence with simply the act of cracking knuckles, and this would allow you to keep your emotions anchored by your willpower alone.

NLP Techniques for communication 

While one aspect of NLP focuses on helping others and developing themselves to their maximum potential, the other focuses on establishing good communication with others. These can benefit people in their work environment by allowing them to build Active and Passive Listening Skills. Some such common communication techniques can be listed down as follows: 

Mirroring 

Mirroring is one of the most simplistic Neuro-Linguistic Programming communication techniques, frequently used to be on the same grounds as the person you're talking to. This technique gets its name from replicating the physiological cues of the person you're talking to, similar to a mirror. These cues can include facial expressions, hand movements and body posture.    

While Mirroring is a physical NLP Technique, it is not limited to visual cues alone, as it includes vocal cues also. Matching the vocal tone of the person you are interacting with will allow you to build resonance with the individual. Additionally, more complex Mirroring actions include Mirroring breathing patterns while trying to replicate a person's vocal rhythm, volume and speech pattern.    

Your commitment to Mirroring the cues of the individual talking to you directly correlates to how to open a person is to communicating with you. Some common techniques in Mirroring are as follows:

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Modelling 

Modelling is an important technique and a founding principle behind NLP practices. The Modelling concept focuses on identifying the behavioural patterns of individuals who excel at their roles and tasks, also referred to as a "model" in this context. By carefully analysing these patterns, you can break them down into simpler components, allowing you to create a model of these behavioural patterns.     

A model of these behaviour patterns often goes through trial and Spactulation, meaning you can test these models and make small changes. Creating the right model often takes time, meaning while certain components in the model will help you, some might not. This allows you to improve these models with time, which will fit your personality and goals.     

Your key goal isn't to replicate a person's lifestyle but rather the elements of success within it. Creating the right model of behaviour pattern, or even choosing the right model (person), plays an important part in the success of this technique. Some common Modelling techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming used by NLP practitioners are as follows:

Meta modelling 

Meta modelling is an NLP Technique that focuses on understanding a person's language pattern. Meta modelling also includes understanding the thought process and beliefs of the said individual. It should not be confused with modelling techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, as both have different purposes as respective NLP Techniques.     

While modelling replicates a person's behaviour and beliefs, it challenges those patterns to clarify them. It includes detailed questions that allow Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioners to gain detailed information. This helps an NLP practitioner establish detailed patterns between an individual's thoughts and communication patterns.    

Its key goal is to eliminate patterns that might hinder a person from communicating with others properly. This allows an individual to deliver clearer information to the other party using a more coherent linguistic pattern. Some common Meta modelling techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming are as follows:

Building Rapport   

The term Rapport refers to a close and peaceful relationship where different group members can build effective communication. The key goal of this techniques is to create an environment that facilitates communication between individuals. Such an environment promotes collaboration and open communication between people.   

Rapport-building techniques are often the end goal of communication in NLP. They can allow you to move and influence how people think about you, allowing you to influence them with your words to a greater degree. Some of its common types are as follows:

NLP Techniques for change 

NLP Techniques for change include methods that allow people to alter their thought processes. These techniques have the power to transform the emotions and behaviour of others, allowing you to achieve desired changes.    

The core difference between these techniques for change and growth is that one focuses on building upon already existing qualities. On the contrary, the other technique focuses on eliminating bad qualities and infusing new qualities within the person. 

Priming 

Priming is an NLP Technique often considered controversial, as it is assumed to be manipulative. This technique focuses on creating a state of readiness within a person, using visual or audible cues to trigger a desired state of mind. It is frequently used in advertising by using the images of hyper-successful individuals to create a sense of happiness, making them more likely to consider buying a product.    

Priming relies on external cues as a stimulus to initiate a particular thinking pattern within a person. Some of the common techniques used in Priming are as follows:

NLP Swish 

NLP Swish is one of the most common Neuro Linguistic Programming Techniques in that encourages change within an individual, aiming to switch a negative emotion with a positive one. This technique is named after the idea of an object being switched with another one fast enough to make the "Swish" sound, thus Swishing a behaviour.   

NLP Swish is extremely helpful to people who find themselves trapped in a negative mental spiral. This technique allows them to break free of the negative thought pattern using mental images or representations. Some common Swishing techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming are as follows:

Dissociation 

Disassociation in NLP refers to disassociating yourself from negative thoughts, experiences or emotions. This allows your mind to make vacant space to foster positive thoughts that can enable self-growth. This technique is frequently used to help a person establish a distance from memories associated with stressful events.   

Disassociation is a relatively simple technique which has vast usage in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. It frequently helps people overcome trauma and stressful experiences. Some common NLP Swish techniques are as follows:

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Benefits of NLP 

There are various benefits that comes along with NLP, below are a few  benefits of NLP:  

a) Builds better relationships: Neuro-Linguistic Programming helps people build better relationships with others in their personal and professional lives. It is possible because NLP Techniques teach people to have meaningful and effective communication. It also helps in reducing stress during a conflict with co-workers or seniors.   

b) Boosts confidence: NLP focuses on bringing a positive attitude from within a person. It helps in improving the confidence amongst themselves. It, therefore, allows them to carry out tasks effectively by feeling good about themselves. 

c) Improves self-awareness: NLP teaches people about the ways  they think or behave in specific ways that are holding them back from reaching their full potential. It helps people make changes in their lives as they are aware of their insecurities and weak points. A change for good helps them to lead a happier and successful life.  

d) Reduces stress levels: When an individual can deal with their own emotions in a balanced way, it helps in reducing stress levels. NLP is thus a self-help tool to understand more about oneself.  

e) Helps to overcome fears and phobias: It is another benefit of NLP which is used to help people suffering from any phobias or fears in life. By implementing an effective NLP Technique, individuals can change the thoughts, feelings and the fears associated with it.  

Conclusion 

As we conclude this blog, we hope you understood the various NLP Techniques, their uses and their different types. These methods are great for establishing harmonious communication, enabling self-growth and making positive changes within you. Thank you for reading. 

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