Introducing NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming

If you want a more in depth understanding, books by Michael Hall or Robert Dilts offer a more up to date look at what is happening in this field.


A comprehensive study written in an easy style.   October 29, 2001
 240 out of 243 found this review helpful

I was relieved to discover that Introducing NLP is well-written, in an easy style that covers a wide range of subjects. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) sounds like such a mouthful that I thought it might be full of psychobabble, suitable only for psychotherapists.

I found it easy to read and it did not confuse with unnecessary technical details. The three-minute seminar sums up the whole approach:
1.Know what you want,
2.Be alert so you know what you are getting
3.Be flexible to keep changing what you do until you get what you want.

Practical advice and strategies are offered to guide you towards what you want - your 'Desired State' - and to raise your awareness of what you are getting - your 'Present State'. This awareness is achieved by drawing on the power of the imagination through all the senses, although sight, sound and feelings are the strongest influences. Anyone with a little effort can apply this approach to almost any area of his or her life. Techniques describe ways to build rapport with others and recognise the way their thinking is dominated by the senses. Those with predominant visual awareness 'see what you mean' whilst those where feelings dominate can 'grasp the meaning'.

I found the chapters on the way language is used particularly useful. Valuable lessons are given so that you can get the whole story through the type and quality of questions you ask, yourself and others. The reader is also warned that used inappropriately or insensitively the approach can end in mayhem and disaster. It made me realise just how much of an art it is to ask the right questions in the right way.

It is this sort of practical activity that I shall find most useful in my work as Project Manager, where I need to find out exactly what my customers really want, when I often feel they do not really know themselves.

The material covered is neatly brought together in the closing chapters. It is then that you start to realise just how much has been covered. Before selecting this book I had a vague notion NLP might be useful to me in my work. It is now clear to me that the skills described can be learned and applied in a wide variety of work and personal situations and is not restricted to counselling or therapists skills.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in practical self-development.


I recommend that managers/underlings read this together!   May 27, 2001
 64 out of 68 found this review helpful

I have read half-way through this book so far...

Since I began utilising some of the advice in the book in every day circumstances, both at work and at home...I have learnt more about myself and how to interact with people more positively.

Already, I have managed to discuss complex emotional issues with my partner without becoming over-emotional where normally we would have argued for days.

That aside, I felt this introduction was well-paced and brought the subject closer to new readers. The only thing it lacked was clarity in using the examples in everyday life and there was too much information to take in all at once. More exercises would have been useful. Apart from that, the material made sure that the reader's intentions were just and that their new skills would not be used in a negative or hurtful way. It was definitely a balanced first step in discussing the subject.


Easy to read and practical   February 7, 2000
 46 out of 49 found this review helpful

This text was one of the first UK NLP books I read. The format is pleasing to the eye and the content moves along at a comfortable pace. The reader, especially if new to the subject,should find this an informative book, which explores a range of subjects within the NLP world


Very good book for an introduction and overview of NLP   January 23, 2000
 72 out of 75 found this review helpful

As a registrar on a department of neurology I found out that the given concepts, theories and exercises make a lot of sense to me. NLP and the described theories do in fact reconcile with the brains physiology and function.

This book provides a good overview about NLP and offers also different exercises (which are not recommended to do without supervision since they are very powerful and effective and could do harm if not used properly!) in terms of developing different belief systems and changing representational systems. Very imporant as well at the end of the book the different links, addresses, etc. regarding NLP trainings.

I am convinced that NLP will become a major branch in modern psychology. Good book to start with!

Christian Hohenstein, M.D., PhD