Neuro linguistic programming, or NLP, is a therapeutic or self help system that was developed in the 1970s. Proponents claim that NLP can help you overcome fears, build rapport with others, and acheive excellence in your life.

Neuro linguistic programming consists of a mish mash of several different ideas. A big part of the theory is the idea that different people see things in different ways. A successful salesperson might view the act of calling on prospects as exciting and fulfilling work, while a less successful salesperson approaches the task with a fear of rejection.

Neuro linguistic programming trainers would say that difference in performance lies in the different attitudes of the salespeople. They would examine the "model", or way of looking at sales, of the successful salesperson, and try to replace the perceptions of the less successful salesman with those.

Eliciting the "model" involves discovering the "Representational Systems" (related to the five senses), "Submodalities," and "Meta Models." Neuro linguistic programming also has various presuppositions:

1. The map is not the territory.
2. What you believe either is true or becomes true.
3. The mind and the body affect each other.
4. Knowing what you want helps you to get it.
5. The meaning of your communication is the response you get.
6. There is no failure, only feedback.
7. Communication is verbal and non-verbal.
8. Modeling excellent behavior leads to excellence.
9. There is a positive intention behind every behavior.


Many claims (most visibly the idea of primary representational systems) made by practitioners of neuro linguistic programming have been debunked by scientific studies.

Others have been found to be useful in therapeutic settings.

I believe that neuro linguistic programming can be useful in sharpening our communication skills - not by the debunked system of trying build rapport by matching another's representational system, but by studying and understanding how so much of our communication is filtered by our perception.

I believe it is also useful in examining our own perceptual filters, misconceptions, and limiting beliefs.

NLP is a framework, or tool. It can be helpful as a way of looking at communication and personal development. It has its flaws, like any other system. It is not the only framework out there.

As with any tool, approach neuro linguistic programming with caution as well as an open mind.

Note: photo by Glenn Loos-Austin. Used under a Creative Commons License.