NLP Meta Progrogrammes: We each filter the world in different ways, often without realising it. These filters shape how we communicate, learn, decide, and feel motivated.
By understanding these patterns in ourselves and others, we open the door to clearer communication and easier influence. This page introduces five key NLP Meta Programmes and how to use them effectively in everyday situations.
NLP Meta Programmes
We all have different preferences. In this section we explore five key NLP Meta Programmes so that you can decide your own preferences and start to be aware of the preferences of other people. We’ll then look at how we can use this awareness to influence and motivate ourselves and others.
What Meta-Programmes can be used for
- Creating powerful presentations
- Tune sales and marketing material
- Recruit the right people
- Helping coaching (and related) clients
- Create learning experiences for teenagers
- Significantly improved organisational communication
See more in the book “Words that change minds“
Please note that it’s important to work out the best ‘Meta-Programme for both the individual and the role/target market.
Five NLP Key Meta Programmes.
Which of the following set of words do you resonate with most?
(Or are you somewhere between the two?)
Motivation Level
Which set of words appeals the most?
(a). Do it, jump in, get it done, just do it, right away.
(b). Think about it, wait, analyse, find out, learn more.
If your preference is (a) you’re more on the ‘active’ side, if it’s (b) you’re more on the ‘reactive’ side.
Motivational Direction
Which of these appeals the most?
(a). Attain, obtain, have, get, achieve, outcome.
(b). Avoid, prevent, eliminate, solve, get rid of, so we don’t have to.
If you’re preference is (a) you’re more on the ‘towards’ side, if it’s (b) you’re more on the ‘away from’ side.
Motivational Source
How do you know if you’ve done a good job?
(a). You just know.
(b). Feedback, others tell you, others notice.
If you know automatically, then you’re internally referenced. If you need feedback or external validation (b) you’re externally referenced.
Motivational Choice
Which of these sets appeals the most?
(a). Opportunity, variety, possibilities, lots of choice, break the rules, do it differently.
(b). The right way, first… second… third, procedures.
If you resonate with (a) you’re more on the ‘options’ side, if you resonate with (b) you’re more towards procedures.
Working organisation
Which of these sets appeals most?
(a). People’s names, feelings, thoughts, relationships, people I know.
(b). Tasks, systems, things, goals, processes, what I did.
If you resonate with (a) you’re more people orientated, if you resonate with (b) you’re more task orientated.
How these Meta Programmes can help us communicate and influence.
Most of us are influenced more by one set of words than the other. This can even mean that we simply don’t consciously hear the other set.
When we speak using the words that resonate with others, it’s much more likely that they will listen to us.
The simplest way to ensure this happens is to occasionally use exactly the same words the other person uses to express themself, with a similar tone of voice.
When we are trying to work out which side of the profile they are likely to prefer, we can use words from both sides until it becomes clearer.
For example, in the case of ‘motivational level’ we could start with “We’ve thought about it carefully, we’ve analysed the information and we’re now ready jump in and just do it.”
The more we can align to our client’s and our audience’s preferences, the more they will listen to us and the more we can influence them.
Suggested Exercise.
Imagine that you have to give a presentation. Write down a sentence or phrase that would appeal to both sides of each Meta Programme.
- Motivational level (Active/Reactive)
- Motivational direction (Towards/Away-from)
- Motivational source (Internal/External reference.)
- Motivation choice (Options/Procedures)
- Working organisation (People/task oriented.)
To find our more about meta-programmes read:
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NLP Techniques – NLP Meta Programmes: FAQs
Q: What are NLP Meta Programmes?
A: NLP Meta Programmes are habitual ways people filter information and make sense of the world. They influence communication, motivation, and decision-making.
Q: How can NLP Meta Programmes improve communication?
A: By recognising someone’s preferred language patterns and motivational filters, we can adapt our communication so they feel understood and engaged.
Q: Are Meta Programmes fixed personality traits?
A: No. Meta Programmes are preferences. They can vary by context and can evolve with awareness and practice.
Q: How can I identify my own Meta Programmes?
A: No. Meta Programmes are preferences. They can vary by context and can evolve with awareness and practice.