NLP for Trainers

Module 1 - Day 1 - Core NLP Techniques

The course is based on applying design concepts to either a live training project, or a recently completed one. It is therefore important that participants bring with them information and data about a ‘real life’ workshop they are working on because this forms the basis of the case study material.

A short history of NLP

A brief introduction to the subject, covering its formation, key theorists and main developments; including frequently used definitions of NLP.

Neurological Levels

An overview of levels at which NLP works and how they can be used to position messages and influence people.

• The Neurological levels model
• Understanding how to intervene

Exercise: exploring the applications of the Neurological levels

Module 1 - Day 1 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Presuppositions (or guiding principles) of NLP

A fundamental aspect of NLP is the beliefs and attitudes that underpin the structure of the tools and the manner in which they are used. Here we engage in an exploration of the philosophy that underpins NLP and cover the thinking and fundamental principles underlying the subject.

• Limiting beliefs
• Empowering beliefs
• Presuppositions of NLP (the ‘inner’ game of NLP)

Exercise: experimenting with presuppositions

Module 1 - Day 1 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Building rapport

Understanding why a sense of mutual understanding (or rapport) is so important in the successful application of NLP tools and the ways in which it is achieved.

• The matching and leading concept
• Matching body language & voice qualities
• Matching sensory language
• Matching values
• Matching current experience

Exercise: matching exercises

Exercise: presenting using sensory language

Module 1 - Day 2 - Core NLP Techniques

Well-formed outcomes

The ‘well-formed outcomes process’ is the primary NLP goal setting method. It places great stress on developing a positive mental attitude and an emotional commitment towards achieving a goal. Done well the goals set using this process helps to generate the psychological momentum that is necessary to take action and so drive things forward.

• Outcome thinking
• Dovetailing concept
• Ecology checks
• Future time-lines
• The ABCDE of well-formed outcomes

Exercise: writing a ‘well-formed outcome’ for the change process

Exercise: placing an outcome on the ‘future timeline’

Module 1 - Day 2 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Individual state management and anchoring

Learning how to control our moods (or emotional states). One application, for example, would be the ability to create feelings of confidence at the start of a presentation.

• Classical conditioning theory
• Resource anchoring
• The conditioning process
• Building positive emotions
• Using ‘triggers’

Pairs exercises: resource anchoring to build confidence.

Module 1 - Day 2 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Power of using positive language

Appreciating how our choice of words affects the thoughts and emotions of the listener, and understanding how to deliberately select language to have the maximum affect.

• Negative language and the impact on the subconscious mind
• Choosing positive language

Exercise: practising language skills

Module 1 - Day 2 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Yes sets

Building a history of agreement into a conversation so that the other person gets into the habit of agreeing with you. These techniques help to generate a positive tone to the whole of the meeting, course or interview.

• Summarising
• Tag questions
• Reframing
• Behaviour labelling

Pairs exercises: linking into matching exercises

Pairs exercises: starting a meeting with behaviour labelling

Module 1 - Day 2 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Hierarchy of ideas

This set of tools is concerned with asking high-quality questions that map out precisely a person’s needs, concerns, issues or requirements.

• The logical levels concept
• Moving up logical levels (chunk up)
• Moving down logical levels (chunk down)

Exercise: building a proposition using the 4p’s format

Module 1 - Day 3 - Core NLP Techniques

Understanding sub-modalities

Sub modalities are the fine distinctions that people make in their use of sensory language when they express themselves. By tuning into the fine distinctions in the way people use language we can shape our messages to have a powerful impact on their feelings and perceptions.

• Sub-modalities and sensory language
• Using sub-modalities to change someone’s emotional state (or mood)
• The ‘Swish pattern’ (a classic NLP change technique) and sub modalities

Pairs exercises: matching and leading sub modalities to change state

Pairs exercises: using the ‘Swish pattern’

Module 1 - Day 3 - Core NLP Techniques (cont)

Working with hypnotic language patterns

This part of the training course involves using tools adapted from hypnotherapy to speak in highly persuasive ways. The language patterns taught in this section are based on the work of the famous American hypnotherapist Milton Erickson MD and they allow the trainer to have a subtle but powerful affect on their course delegates thought processes and perceptions.

• Softeners
• Embedded commands
• Marking out commands
• Command tonality

Pairs exercises: applying the language patterns to communicating and embedding NLP skills

Practise presentations

Prepare and deliver a 5-10 minute presentation on a core NLP technique (e.g. anchoring, swish pattern, outcome thinking) while demonstrating as many of the skills covered in module one as possible.

Module 2 - Day 1 - Presenting with NLP

State management of groups

Learning how to control the moods (or emotional states) of others and especially groups.

• Classical conditioning theory
• Anchoring
• Pre-framing
• Eliciting states
• The ‘learning state’ concept
• Positional (or stage anchors) and affecting the mood of a group of people

Team exercise: creating states in groups

Module 2 - Day 1 - Presenting with NLP (cont)

Meta programmes

In NLP meta programmes are defined as common thought patterns that are used to process information. By understanding our preferred patterns (and those of our delegates) it is possible to present information in a way that makes it clear and compelling.

• Values
• Towards versus Away from
• Sameness versus Difference
• Big picture versus Detail
• Appetite for change
• Effective communications and meta programmes

Exercise: identifying meta programmes

Module 2 - Day 2 - Presenting with NLP

Disney strategy

The Disney strategy is one of the key NLP tools for understanding planning in general and how to structure and conduct meetings in particular. It also explains the source of certain types of resistance to learning that can occur during courses and suggests ways of overcoming them.

• The Disney strategy and its applications
• Realist
• Dreamer
• Critic
• Future Pacing and the dreamer role

Exercise: applying the tools to planning and running a meeting

Exercise: Future Pacing and running successful meetings

Module 2 - Day 2 - Presenting with NLP (cont)

An NLP approach to preparing a talk – the Masterful Planning Method™

Outstanding trainers plan and rehearse the lecture component of their workshops thoroughly but quickly. The Boulden Masterful Planning Method™ is a mnemonic in which each letter in the word ‘masterful’ covers an aspect of effective preparation. Learning the method allows the design of the presentation to be fast and effective.

1. My outcome. Specify what result you want to achieve.
2. Audience needs. Identify the decision makers and what their needs are.
3. Synopsis. Capture the whole talk in a short ‘sound bite’. This is used both to open and close the presentation.
4. Time and timings. The expected length of the talk, the start time & venue
5. Envisage the content. Define the content for the talk, break it into manageable chunks and create the logical sequence in which the topics will be covered.
6. Review visual aids. Decide what visual aids will be used to support the talk. Remember the primary visual aid is you!
7. Future pace. Rehearse the talk.
8. Uncover objections. Think about any issues that the audience might raise.
9. List equipment requirements. Ensure that any equipment that will be needed is ordered.

Module 2 - Day 2 - Presenting with NLP (cont)

Voice development exercises

Excellent presenters and trainers speak naturally and with pride. Here we consider the postural, breathing, and voice projection aspects of speaking well to groups. The exercises are of the type that is taught to actors and singers.

• Correct posture & relaxation
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Projection
• Resonance

Pairs exercise: breathing exercises

Five-minute presentations

Participants take turns to deliver a five-minute presentation on one of the NLP topics in front of the group. They are then given feedback by reviewing videotape of their presentation and as a result of getting feedback against the Boulden assessment checklist.

Module 2 - Day 2 - Presenting with NLP (cont)

Handling hostile questions

Methods for dealing with hostile, difficult or awkward questions.

• The 3-step technique
• Car parking
• Responding with a question
• Inviting audience participation

Exercise: open forum question and answer session

Module 2 - Day 3 - Core NLP Techniques

Ten-minute presentations

Participants spend the day taking turns to deliver a series of ten-minute presentations based on workshops or coaching sessions that they typically run (or will have to run) as part of their normal work roles. As they do this participants are asked to integrate the NLP tools into the way they deliver the content. They are given feedback by watching videotape of their presentation and by being reviewed against the Boulden assessment checklist. In this way the NLP skills learnt on the programme can become embedded into their natural training style.

Learning review

A session dedicated to handling any unanswered questions and to writing action plans for continuing professional development.

• Reviewing any unanswered questions about NLP
• What more do you need to achieve excellence?
• Writing a personal development plan

Exercise: action plans for continued development