„One cannot not communicate“ (Watzlawick et al. 1969/2007, p. 53 ).
Paul Watzlawick’s quote is one of the most important basic assumptions in the field of communication studies. There is no substitute for behavior, so every kind of behavior is a type of communication. Therefore, it is not possible not to communicate.
Based on this fact and the further fact that every social interaction contains a type of communication, it is important to find and study the areas where we can further our communication skills.
Since its discovery Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) can be found in nearly every western industrial country. There are many types of training and coaching available. Companies use NLP for their human resource development, especially for their specialist and executive staff. But what is behind NLP which is likely to be announced as an omni-potent method? Is it just a profitable commercial theory or can advantages be found concerning the communication process?
The intention of the current seminar paper is an initial introduction to the wide field of NLP and to present some ways to improve communication skills.
After a short introduction, concerning the origin and development of NLP, chapter 2 presents two main principles of the NLP model. Chapter 3 will provide an overview of main elements of Neuro-linguistic Programming and the following chapter gives an overview of basic methods and techniques to show how you can develop your communication skills. The seminar paper will be completed with an overview of the fields of application and a résumé.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is NLP?
2.1 Definition
2.2 NLP Origins
2.3 Presuppositions of NLP
2.3.1 The map is not the territory
2.3.2 People make the best choice they can at that time
3. Models, methods and techniques of NLP
3.1 Rapport
3.2 Calibration
3.3 Pacing und Leading
3.4 Anchoring
3.5 Reframing
3.6 Meta Model
4. Use and Perspectives of NLP
5. Résumé
Objectives and Topics
This paper provides an introductory overview of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), examining its foundational principles, core techniques, and practical applications in fields such as coaching, marketing, and management. It further critically evaluates the scientific validity of NLP as a communication and therapeutic model.
- Fundamental definitions and origins of NLP
- Core NLP presuppositions and models
- Practical communication techniques including Rapport, Anchoring, and Reframing
- Application fields in professional and educational contexts
- Critical scientific assessment of NLP methodology
Excerpt from the Book
3.4 Anchoring
The NLP anchoring technique is based on Ivan Pavlov, a Russian psychologist and physiologist, famous for his findings on human / animal conditioning. 18
Anchoring is one of the fundamental techniques in NLP and is one that hypnotists use frequently. It is a powerful tool for making a change and is very popular because of its immediate impact. An anchor is a stimulus that is able to influence a person’s state of mind, thoughts and emotions. The technique of anchoring means to produce the stimuli when the resourceful state is experienced. The result is that the resourceful state is paired to the anchor. 19 Normally every person is affected by anchors in their daily life. Most of them have been built up accidentally, so we adopt a good or bad mood in response to automatic unconscious stimuli. 20
Being able to use the technique of anchoring gives you the opportunity to produce the appropriate state of mind you need for a given situation, you can change any unwanted feeling to a resourceful one in a matter of moments. To create an anchor you must identify the emotional state you want e.g. confidence. When you have selected the desired state, you recall a particular time in your life when you felt this special emotional state. The context of the situation is not important; the technique is only about recalling strong experiences. When you have reached the desired state, anchor the feeling to a unique trigger e.g. a unique gesture with your hand. Repeat the process so that the desired state is conditioned to the anchor. Whenever you trigger this unique anchor in the future it will bring you to this emotional state. 21
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of communication studies and introduces the scope of NLP as a potentially influential yet debated communication method.
2. What is NLP?: Defines the components of Neuro-linguistic Programming, traces its historical origins to Bandler and Grinder, and discusses key presuppositions.
3. Models, methods and techniques of NLP: Details specific practical tools such as rapport, calibration, pacing, leading, anchoring, reframing, and the Meta Model.
4. Use and Perspectives of NLP: Explores the versatile application of NLP techniques in areas such as coaching, marketing, education, and human resources.
5. Résumé: Critically evaluates the scientific basis of NLP, highlighting a lack of empirical evidence and the potential risks of its rapid, unregulated application.
Keywords
Neuro-linguistic Programming, Communication, NLP, Rapport, Anchoring, Reframing, Meta Model, Coaching, Human Behavior, Psychotherapy, Communication Skills, Calibration, Pacing, Leading, Scientific Criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper provides an introductory examination of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), analyzing its definitions, methods, and practical use cases in various professional fields.
What are the core thematic fields covered?
The work covers basic NLP terminology, behavioral psychology concepts, communication techniques, and the critical evaluation of NLP's scientific foundations.
What is the author's primary research goal?
The aim is to introduce the reader to the field of NLP while simultaneously questioning its validity, commercial claims, and lack of empirical evidence.
Which scientific methods are analyzed?
The text reviews the model's core techniques like anchoring, pacing, and reframing, and compares them against recognized psychological principles.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body focuses on defining NLP, explaining techniques like the Meta Model and Rapport, and surveying application fields in management and education.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include NLP, Communication, Rapport, Anchoring, Meta Model, Behavioral Patterns, and Scientific Criticism.
What is the significance of the "Map is not the territory" concept?
It is presented as a fundamental presupposition of NLP, suggesting that individuals perceive reality through unique, subjective cognitive filters rather than through objective experience.
Why is the author critical of NLP education?
The author expresses concern regarding the speed and lack of regulation in obtaining NLP practitioner certifications, arguing that it lacks the professional rigor found in other therapeutic fields.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sandra Janicki (Autor:in), 2010, NLP - Neuro-linguistic Programming, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/156622