Neuro-linguistic Programming has been a game changer in the way people use it to motivate others and basically make them do what you would like them to do. Its amazing capabilities expose it to different kinds of people and affect them in different kinds of ways. But one thing we know is that it really works. However, there are myths that were created specifically because of the way people handle or do it to suit their purpose and this has created the myths that hound NLP and the users who swear by it. Below are some of the myths you need to clear in your head for a better understanding of this powerful tool.
Myth #1 – NLP is Mind Control
Because of how effective NLP is in convincing people to go your way, many have reduced it to just a simple mind control scheme that you can use to manipulate anyone in front of you. Controlling someone is different from influencing them.
NLP does not require magic potions or strands of hair for it to work. All it does is enable you to create a rapport with others through their unconscious mind. Once this is created, the road is paved for impacting and influencing them. The stronger the connection is with the unconscious, the more influence you can wield on them. But this is not easy. You need to analyze what you are currently doing and see how it impacts your audience. A lot of a-ha moments shall come out of it and with this realization, you can rethink your scripts and selling moments to finally make a connection with your audience.
More than connecting with the subconscious, NLP also makes us realize the importance of words to people and how they impact human beings in their everyday lives. It also places a big importance on the tone of your voice. An often-neglected part of communication, which is the tone of your voice completely sets the right feelings and emotions you would like to convey in your conversations that would help you reach your personal objectives. And do not forget body language. This is basically 60% of the winning formula and it’s something you can use to further influence others. That is right, there is no manipulation here. It is just a better understanding of the person in front of you.
Myth 2 – NLP Will Never Work or Benefit Me
As amazing as it sounds, the flip side of the coin actually exists with people saying that with all the studies and experiences they have had with an NLP technique, they have never really made it work for them.
On paper, everything seems to be clear and specific. But people have different ways of understanding themselves and others which is probably the reason for the disconnect with the desired objectives. Essential to NLP is what is termed as “behavioral flexibility.” This simply means that you should closely monitor and listen, and observe for signs that would definitely indicate your current relationship with your audience and what should be done accordingly to influence them more effectively.
Your perceptual or sensory skills should be honed for this to work. Everything that happens in a conversation should be recorded, down to the heavy breathing or shrilly voice that happens when talking to someone. Everything matters and impacts the other person so sharpening these skills will help you use NLP in a more effective way. In fact, you might be already using it to your advantage in the other areas of your life, but not exactly on the part that really matters to you. Fortunately, NLP can also help you break down everything you need to be aware of about yourself and how you impact people. In most cases, you just need a minor tweak to make it finally work for you. Identifying those would be tricky though and needs time and lot of practice to do them efficiently.
Myth 3 – NLP is a form of Therapy
When NLP was just starting, it was developed to create models for people to get the kind of results that they need from others and such results were realized in the field of therapy. Uncannily, there were a lot of behaviors, skills, and techniques that were developed were actually very effective in the other areas of human behavior, specifically those that are related to the way we communicate and subsequently influence or create the change that we want to happen for ourselves and others.
NLP has been used very successfully in the areas of leadership, sports, sales, and persuasion, public speaking, and coaching. It is also very effective in helping people drop their unwanted habits. And just because you get a lot of benefits from NLP you can immediately call it as therapy. There are a lot of activities that give you therapeutic benefits including the mundane and regular activities like reading a book, walking in a forest, and even meditating – but they are never considered as therapy. So, the perception with NLP should not be that different.
The Truth About NLP
Of the many myths that seem to abound about NLP, the only one that you should believe is that it is a constantly evolving and changing tool. However, it is only the community who constantly challenges their perception of NLP. As it is, there are now more elegant ways to use the Meta Model because of Richard and John who penned the Structure of Magic. It is just a never-ending journey of discovering and rediscovering what can be done and how to do it.
Though the possibilities are endless, we should not over-theorize and use all our energies into the thinking process. The existing theories are more than enough to help you with your individual objectives. Having said that, focus on what you have right now and learn from your experiences with using them. Experience is always the best teacher and it can really develop your technique like no other theory can.
Get the right information and only the proper ways of using NLP by attending one of
Jacky Lim’s Sharing Sessions. This 2-hour intimate session will allow you to discover and get a sneak peek at how NLP can transform your life. Jacky Lim is one of the few Master NLP Practitioners in Singapore.
Call us now or simply fill out our
inquiry form to book the seat reserved just for you!
