Improving Communication

using the Meta Model

Krista Powell Edwards MA Chartered MCIPD CertNLP
Humanistics Consultancy and Development
 Overview
We will consider
What is the Meta Model
What are its uses and benefits
The prerequisites to using the Meta Model
effectively
Practice of using the Meta Model today and
tomorrow
 What is the Meta Model?
"The basic principle behind the Meta Model is
Korzybski's notion that 'the map is not the
territory.
That is, the models we make of the world
around us with our brains and our
language are not the world itself but
representations of it.
Dilts and DeLozier, Encyclopedia of Systemic
Neuro-Linguistic Programming and NLP New
Coding, 2000.
 The Meta Model
The Meta Model was first described by John
Grindler and Richard Bandler in their book
Structure of Magic Vol.1 (1975)
Grindler and Bandler had observed
successful therapists using certain
language patterns - essentially questions
that enabled them to get to the heart of
issues and assist their clients
 Two levels of language
Surface structure everything we say, either
to ourselves or to other people
Deep structure the underlying meaning of
what we say containing information neither
expressed nor consciously known about
Noam Chomsky

The Meta Model gives a framework to find

out the layers of meaning below the spoken
words
What does the Meta Model Do?
Gathers information
n Can receive important information that has been omitted
from the surface structure
Clarifies meaning
n It gives a systematic framework for asking What exactly
do you mean?
n When you do not fully understand what the other person
means you can use the Meta Model to clarify meaning
Identifies limits
n The Meta Model can be used to challenge the rules and
generalisations being applied to your thinking, to discover
where you are limiting yourself and how you could be freer
Gives choices
n The Meta Model can expand your map of the world by
opening routes and doors considered closed or not
available
Allows us to see beneath the
surface of the iceberg
 Using the Meta Model

Meta Model
Question

Statement + = Desired
Revealed
Response Information
 NLP and the Meta Model
Selecting the most useful question is a skill
which . is one of the most important skills
within the NLP repertoire

Northern School of NLP

 Why use the Meta Model?
To improve our communication with others
To better understand other people
To manage ourselves and others more
effectively
To help others get out of a stuck state or
get into a more resourceful state
To assist others to be what they want to be
To learn new skills and behaviours
Application of the Meta Model in
Human Resource Management
Coaching
Interviewing
n Disciplinary and grievance
n Selection
Individual and team development
Performance reviews and appraisals
Mediating
 Using the Meta Model
Outcome Setting
- What is the outcome required?
Rapport
What level of rapport and trust will be required to achieve
the outcomes required?
Sensory Acuity
- Using the senses to recognise where the other person is,
and thus how to respond
Flexibility
A flexibility to respond to the other person and change
one owns approach if necessary
 Using the Meta Model
Therefore
Know what you want to achieve (outcome
setting)
Take action Create rapport and trust
Use the Meta Model
Notice the response (sensory acuity)
Do something different (if required)
.flexibility
 The Meta Model
Meta Model
13 elements divided into 3 categories
Deletions
Distortions
Generalisations
(and variations)

Precision Model
7 categories
 Using the Meta Model the Precision Model

Fuzzy Nouns
I need a new job What job specifically?
Vague Verbs
I will prepare the report for you How will you prepare the report?
Comparisons
The results have been better In comparison with what?
Opinions as Facts
Its bad to be inconsistent Who says?
Universals
I always feel nervous Always? Was there ever a
time when you weren't?
 Using the Meta Model the Precision Model

Rules
We should do this now What would happen if we didn't?
Distortions
Cause & Effect
If he ever leaves me I'll be so sad How would him leaving you
cause you to feel sad?
Mind Reading
He doesn't like me How do you know he doesn't
like you?
Interpretation
Her being late means she doesn't love me How does her being
late mean she doesn't
love you?
 Using the Meta Model
Practice of using the Meta Model today and
tomorrow

Skill 1 - Recognise the pattern

Skill 2 - Select the most useful response
Using the Meta Model today
Form groups of 3s
There are 3 piles of cards on each table
1 pile contains statements
1 pile contains responses
1 pile contains patterns
Person A makes a statement, Person B makes an
appropriate response, Person C selects the
appropriate pattern. Swap roles

Feedback on the practical exercise -

Did you notice any patterns?
Using the Meta Model tomorrow
Start with yourself
n Listen to your own internal dialogue. What patterns do you use?
The Meta Model will give you internal clarity
n Listen to your spoken words. Notice habitual patterns
Use Meta Model questions with rapport and
respect, context and ecology
n Use Meta Model questions when you need to not because you
can
Use a three part strategy
n Recognise the patterns
n Decide whether you need to ask a question or make a challenge
n Frame a question and ask it
 Where to discover more
An internet search for the Meta Model and
NLP will provide several sources of further
information
Web site : Northern School -
www.nlpand.co.uk
Books:
n NLP at Work Sue Knight a
comprehensive introduction to NLP it
does not require any previous knowledge
n NLP Workbook Joseph OConnor a
thorough approach
 Any Questions?
Have a safe journey
Happy exploring

Thank you for listening