Perspectives on Neuro-linguistic Programming
Introduction
Dr. Smita Jha
Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Roorkee
1
An Introduction to NLP
‘…we must learn to understand the ‘out-of-
awareness’(Persuade without Persuading,
using Conversational Hypnosis) aspects of
communication. We must never assume
that we are fully aware of what we
communicate to someone else. There
exists in the world today tremendous
distortions in meaning as men try to
communicate with one another’
Edward T. Hall The Silent Language
‘The meaning of any communication is defined by the
response it elicits’
Introduction
• NLP stands for the three most influential components involved
in processing human experience: neurology,
Language and programming.
• The neurological system manages the Bodily
functions, language focuses how we interface and
communicate with other people and our
programming produces various types of models
as per the context.
• Neuro-Linguistic Programming stands for the
fundamental exchanges between mind (neuro)
and language (linguistic) with the affects on our
body and behavior (programming).
What is NLP? - Definitions
Official definition
“NLP is the study of subjective behaviour”
Oxford English Dictionary definition
“A model of interpersonal communication chiefly concerned with the
relationship between successful patterns of behaviour and the
subjective experiences (esp. patterns of thought) underlying them”
The Northern School of NLP and Associated Studies definition
“Modelling is the process of understanding how a person thinks, NLP is
the mindset and tools which enables us to do this”
Pragmatic School of Thought
• NLP is a pragmatic school of thought which we can be defined as a theory of Knowledge
addressing the different levels involved in being human. NLP is a multi-dimensional and
multifaceted process that involves the development of behavioral competence and flexibility. It
does also involve the strategic and systematic thinking with an understanding of the mental and
cognitive processes while projecting behavior.
• NLP provides tools and skills for the development of individual excellence. It is evident that it
also enriches a system of empowering beliefs and presuppositions about what human beings
are, what communication is and what the process of change is all about.
• It goes without saying that NLP is about self-discovery, exploring identity and mission.
• It does also provide a framework for understanding and relating to the 'spiritual' part of human
experience that reaches beyond us as individuals to our family, community and global systems.
• NLP does not mean only competence and excellence, it does also show the wisdom and vision.
The 6 main building blocks of NLP:
• Neuro:
NLP is a mental process as to how we think and how we store our past experiences, utilizing those experiences as per the need of the
hour.
Linguistic:
It stand s for the use of language, both verbal and non-verbal. NLP constructs various models using language and language patterns
towards the desired goals.
Programming:
It shows the ability to organize our actions, thoughts by using our past experiences, sequenced in the best way in achieving the specific
desired goals.
Attitude:
It works on the best physical and emotional state to accomplish a task and produce best results in different contexts.
Modeling:
Modeling is a style which highlights the action of successful people for achieving the similar results. It starts by asking good questions
and moves on to learning without letting our intellect interfere with our learning.
Techniques:
It indicates to develop various methods to get the desired goal. It can be achieved with a positive attitude and a passion for modelling
for getting many new techniques. People practicing NLP have produced many useful techniques to help others to reach their objectives
to overcome the 'blocks' or hindrances wherever it is appropriate.
•
Basically, NLP is founded on two fundamental presuppositions
• 1. The Map is Not the Territory. As human beings, we can never divulge the reality because our
knowledge is based on our perceptions of reality. We experience and respond to the world around us
primarily through our sensory representational systems. It is our 'neuro-linguistic' maps of reality that
determine how we behave and that give a meaning to those behaviors, not reality itself. It is generally not
reality that limits us or empowers us, but rather our map of reality.
• 2. Life and 'Mind' are Systemic Processes. There is a system between the processes that take place within
a human being and between human beings and their environment. Human being and human society form
an ecology of complex systems and sub-systems which interact with and mutually influence each other. All
are interconnected. The entire system is cohesive. Such systems are based on certain 'self-organizing'
principles and naturally seek optimal states of balance or homeostasis.
Origin of NLP
• NLP was originated by John Grinder (a linguist) and Richard Bandler ( a
man of mathematics and gestalt therapy) for the purpose to refine human
mind for making human more excellent with explicit models . Their first
work The Structure of Magic Vol. I & II (1975, 1976) identified the verbal
and behavioral patterns of therapists by Fritz Perls (the creator of gestalt
therapy) and Virginia Satir (internationally renowned family therapist).
• Their next work Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson,
M.D. Vol. I & II (1975, 1976) is about the verbal and behavioral patterns of
Milton Erickson, founder of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and
one of the most widely acknowledged and clinically successful psychiatrists
of our times.
Continued….
• As a result of this earlier work, Grinder and Bandler, formalized their
modeling techniques and their own individual contributions under the
name "Neuro-Linguistic Programming" to establish the relationship
between the brain, language and the body.
• The basics of this model have been described in a series of books
including Frogs Into Princes (Bandler & Grinder, 1979 ) , Neuro-Linguistic
Programming Vol. I (Dilts, Grinder, Bandler, DeLozier,
1980), Reframing (Bandler & Grinder, 1982) and Using Your Brain(Bandler,
1985). For years NLP has developed some very powerful tools and skills for
enhanced communication and change in a wide range of professional areas
including counseling, psychotherapy, education, health, creativity, law,
management, sales, leadership and parenting.
Continued…
• NLP is now in its mature phase as a field of study and
has evolved considerably since its beginnings in the
mid 1970s. Over the years, NLP has literally spread
around the world and has changed the lives of people
in a most constructive way.
• There emerged a new generation in NLP Since the
1990's. This form of NLP addresses generative and
systemic applications and focuses on high level issues
such as identity, vision and mission. More details
about this new generation can be found in NLPII: The
Next Generation-Enriching the Study of Subjective
Experience (Dilts, DeLozier and Bacon Dilts).
