|  | Mental Health | Stress Management

Neurolinguistic Techniques

Neurolinguistic programming, (NLP) is based on the concept that words are reflections of unconscious perceptions. NLP incorporates techniques to help people overcome inadequate communication and life patterns. Neurolinguistic techniques include setting realistic goals, establishing good eye contact, and creating rapport. While NLP experts recommend attending neurolinguistic training sessions, most techniques work anyway.

  1. Principles

    • According to Pegasus NLP Training, you must adhere to certain fundamental principles to apply neurolinguistic techniques effectively. NLP principles address how to interact with others and how to achieve personal development. When interacting with others, take responsibility for how others respond to you. Remind yourself that every person with whom you interact is doing the best they can and are using all the communication tools they have at their disposal.
      You can develop an awareness that how people perceive reality originates from within the person rather than from objectively-based information.
      NLP principles can guide your personal development by helping you overcome inflexible attitudes. Another neurolinguistic technique for personal development is to practice turning the idea of mistakes into feedback to help you grow. (See References 2)

    Goals

    • NLP techniques help to define goals as well-formed outcomes. "Well-formed outcomes" is the NLP systematic process of refining your goals to fit six questions. Pegasus NLP Training lists "Six Qualifying Questions"--guides to identify what you want rather than what you do not want. (See Additional References 3)

    Eye Contact

    • Making good eye contact is an NLP technique to help you respond to the ways others make eye contact with you. Mirror how the other person maintains or does not maintain eye contact with you. For example, if you are talking with a person who stares directly at you throughout a conversation, look directly back at them while listening to what they say. You establish a comfort zone for communication by your sensitivity to the other person's patterns. (See Additional Resources 1)

    Rapport

    • The rapport technique helps to create harmony. People communicate more effectively when they are at ease with one another. NLP techniques to establish rapport include matching voice patterns, pacing with non-verbal actions, and leading with subtle behavior changes. When the other person follows your lead, you have rapport. The most effective way to establish rapport is to express genuine interest in the other person's view of reality. (See Additional Resources 2)

Stress Management - Related Articles