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This is something interesting that I learned yesterday. There are many methods of influencing people put forward by the experts. One of them is through NLP through a system that they call SLEIGHT OF MOUTH. Today we look at how NLP can be used to change the thinking of the other person.

To illustrate the Sleight of Mouth patterns, let us assume your client says, “The reorganization of this unit is irresponsible because it will lead to lay-offs.” This represents a legitimate viewpoint that can limit your client’s options. There are two parts to this response: A because B. In the following patterns, we can focus on either A or B or both. I will give only one example and many others are possible.

1. Intention: What could be the positive intention? E.g. safety
Response: I very much admire and support your desire for safety.

2. Redefine: Use words that are similar but may infer something different. e.g. replace “irresponsible” with “careless” and “lay-offs” with “unable to adjust”
Response: I agree we need to be careful how this is undertaken so that people can adjust to the new environment.

3. Consequences: Focus a consequence that leads to challenging the belief. E.g. irresponsible - take responsibility
Response: Recognizing our respective responsibilities is a key step in mitigating those possibilities.

4. Chunk down: Look at a specific element that challenges the belief.
Response: I am not sure how proposing an organization chart that clearly describes staff roles and responsibilities is irresponsible.

5. Chunk Up: Generalize in order to change the relationship defined by the belief.
Response: Any change can have unforeseen consequences.

6. Counter Example: Find an exception that challenges the generalization defined by the belief.
Response: It is hard for me to see business reorganization as irresponsible when the last reorganization saved the company from insolvency.

7. Analogy: Use an analogy or metaphor that challenges the generalization defined by the belief.
Response: Good gardeners are always finding ways to re-energize the soil so that plants have the nutrients and resources to grow strong and healthy.

8. Apply to Self: Use key aspects of the belief to challenge the belief.
Response: Couldn’t it also be irresponsible and lead to lay-offs if we do not do something different to resolve our current problems?

You may read about this interesting methods further by reading a book called SLEIGHT OF MOUTH - The Magic of Conversational Belief Change by Robert Dilts