NLP Sleight of Mouth Patterns
NLP Sleight of Mouth Patterns
by David Barron
The Slight of Mouth Patterns are extreamly pithy comments/questions that are
designed to attack the heart of a belief.
It is important to note that SoM can be used equally to reinforce an existing
belief.
The origin of Sleight of Mouth patterns comes from people whom it was observed
never lost an arguement. Who they were
able to do this was then sythisized and model into these simple and tremendously
powerful patterns.
These patterns are so powerful that a combination of three or four of them
delivered in a row are enough to alter what
someone believes. They are also very invasive and one risks of induceing a
hostile or threatened responce if use
without the proper care. This is important especially when dealing in a theraputic
setting.
Note that SoM all "chunk up" to a higher level of awareness. It is also important
to *ALWAYS* be cautious with these
language patterns because they are very comfrontational and require a liberal use
of "softeners"
Softeners
The purpose of Softeners is to a) distance yourself from the abrasive and
confrontational aspect of SoM and b) ease
the SoM into a more conversational format.
Examples of Softeners are
"I had a brother who used to believe <Belief> and then he realize <SoM>.
"This may sound silly but <SoM>."
"I am curious as to <SoM>."
"Let me ask you <SoM>."
"I'm just wondering...<SoM>"
In addition to Softeners you can make delivery of SoM patterns easier by
establishing and maintaining rapport.
Changing Beliefs
It's been asked how does a belief change when SoM patterns are effectively used?
be at times.
c. I don't know? What would you do when you see a child about to run in front of a
moving car? Whisper softly?
2. CHANGE FRAME SIZE/CONTEXT
(Your yelling at people means you are a bad person)
a. I can understand how your not having all of the facts about why I had to yell,
could have caused you to say that.
b. No! But it's perfectly alright for you to so sharply criticize me?
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
c. Judging by the loving response I am receiving from you now, I ought to have
risked life and limb just to get here
on time?
3. APPLY TO SELF
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
a. What an uncaring thing for you to say to me!
b. No you tell me?!? If you really cared about me you certainly would have told me
this sooner!
4. INTENT
(Cancer causes death)
a. Your intent to protect any false hope is wonderful, but do you really want to
eliminate all hope completely?
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
b. I didn't intend to be late or uncaring, but rather to make certain that when I
did get here, I didn't take any
of my work home with me.
5. REALITY STRATEGY
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
a. I'm not sure how it is you have drawn that conclusion. Are you? I'm curious? How
did
you do it?
b. How would you know if it wasn't true?
6. COUNTER EXAMPLE
weakened immune systems ability to fight it off. That is why so many people are
successfully overcoming cancer.
The doctors are now thinking more holistically, as they are finding new ways to
help strengthen the immune system.
10. REDEFINE ON CAUSE/EVIDENCE
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
a. I didn't start off late, I was delayed on my way here.
11. ANOTHER OUTCOME
(CANCER CAUSES DEATH)
a. You can spend your time thinking about what causes death, me, I would rather
spend
my time thinking of the many ways I can improve my own health and well being. Ever
think about spending your time
doing that?
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
b. Sure, it can mean that, but the real issue is that you are feeling hurt. Is
there any way you can think of that
will help you move past this? Let's explore what the possibilities can be so that
you can get onto enjoying the
time that you do have with me.
12. CRITERIA
(Your yelling at people means you are a bad person)
a. Do you not think it is more important to hide your true feelings rather than to
share them openly?
13.CHUNK DOWN
(Your being late means you don't care about me)
a. How late do I have to be before you start feeling bad?
b. How specifically am I not caring about you?
c. Exactly which cancers are you referring to here?
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