NLP - BS or Psycological Skills for Influencing People?

[Platypus]

Anyone here "into" NLP ?

I'd be interested in your view as to whether its bulltulip, or a valuable people skill.

I'm wondering if I can be bothered to read a book on it

Edit: NLP = Neuro-Linguistic Programming

One definition here from an NLP site:
NLP is a multi-dimensional process that involves the development of behavioural competence and flexibility, but also involves strategic thinking and an understanding of the mental and cognitive processes behind behaviour. NLP provides tools and skills for the development of states of individual excellence, but it also establishes a system of empowering beliefs and presuppositions about what human beings are, what communication is and what the process of change is all about. At another level, NLP is about self-discovery, exploring identity and mission. It also provides a framework for understanding and relating to the 'spiritual' part of human experience that reaches beyond us as individuals to our family, community and global systems. NLP is not only about competence and excellence, it is about wisdom and vision.

More pragmatically, it seems to be about getting what you want by influencing others.

[threaded]

At one of the courses I did when I were but a lad just out of school, they taught us about how to get people to do stuff they really would prefer not to. I catch myself using nearly all the tricks occasionally and would prefer not to, but it gets the job done, and I can get back to surfin'.

Yes, I would say these psycho tricks absolutely do work. Dunno what this NLP is tho'.

[sasguru]

We covered this before in another thread. NLP is usually overhyped but has a number of useful techniques for influencing people using language (both verbal and body). Deffo worth reading a book on, but probably not more than that.

[DimPrawn]

Look into my eyes, not around the eyes........

[Moscow Mule]

Isn't this what Derren Brown does?

Makes good telly.

[Spacecadet]

Isn't this what Derren Brown does?

Makes good telly.

It is to an extent, although DB needs the right sort of person for his stuff, usually 1 in a hundred, hence the huge auditions he does for some of his specials.

[Jog On]

I've seen mention of it in a few sales and marketing training books I've read. haven't got round to fully investigating it yet - it's on the to-do list though.

[Tingles]

I reckon rapport gained through 'mirroring' is an extremely good tool to use - I have a number of examples where this has been used to amazing effect - both in business and personal life.



T

[PAH]

I reckon rapport gained through 'mirroring' is an extremely good tool to use

Doesn't work on me, no-one's ugly enough to mirror me.

Unfortunately that also means it doesn't work for me either, unless I'm hanging around a club at ten-to-two on a saturday night.

[PAH]

At one of the courses I did when I were but a lad just out of school, they taught us about how to get people to do stuff they really would prefer not to. I catch myself using nearly all the tricks occasionally and would prefer not to, but it gets the job done, and I can get back to surfin'.

Care to share a few examples with us?