Lost Performative - NLP Meta Model

Unveiling the Lost Performative in NLP Meta Model

Introduction: Understanding the Lost Performative

The Lost Performative is a concept from the NLP Meta Model, representing statements where the source of the opinion, belief, or judgment is omitted. These statements lack context about who holds the belief or why it is valid, making them open to challenge or exploration.

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Sleight of Mouth Patterns

NLP Meta Model Patterns

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Key Ideas Behind the Lost Performative

The primary idea is that by identifying and challenging Lost Performative statements, we can reveal hidden assumptions and bring clarity to the beliefs influencing communication. This is crucial in understanding the underlying thoughts that drive people's behaviors and decisions.

5 Examples of Lost Performative Statements

• "It's wrong to be late."
• "Success is impossible without hard work."
• "You should always tell the truth."
• "That's just common sense."
• "People need to be more responsible."

Critical Questions to Uncover the Lost Performative

To challenge a Lost Performative, ask questions that uncover the missing source or reason behind the statement:

• "Who says that?"
• "According to whom?"
• "How do you know that is true?"
• "Why do you believe that?"
• "Where does that idea come from?"

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Lost Performative in Practice

1. Identify a Lost Performative statement: Listen for statements that express a judgment or belief without a clear source.
2. Clarify the missing source: Ask a critical question to reveal who or what is behind the belief.
3. Explore the context: Investigate why this belief is held and the evidence supporting it.
4. Challenge or reframe: Offer alternative perspectives or question the validity of the belief.
5. Consolidate understanding: Summarize the new insights and agree on any changes in perspective.

Implementing the Lost Performative Technique: Real-Life Applications

Let's look at how you might apply this step-by-step approach in different contexts:

• Personal Development: A person says, "I'm just not good at public speaking." You could ask, "Who says that?" This could reveal that it's a self-limiting belief with no actual evidence. From there, you can work to challenge and change that belief.
• Business: A team member says, "We should never take risks." By asking, "According to whom?" you might uncover a past experience or a company culture that values safety. This opens a discussion on when risk might actually be beneficial.
• Coaching: A client says, "You need to work 24/7 to succeed." You might challenge this by asking, "Where does that idea come from?" This could lead to a conversation about work-life balance and different definitions of success.

Key Takeaways and Conclusion

The Lost Performative is a powerful tool within the NLP Meta Model for uncovering hidden assumptions and challenging beliefs that may not be serving us. By identifying the missing source of a statement, we can bring clarity and encourage more thoughtful communication.

4 Alternative Methods for Exploring Beliefs

• Chunking Up/Down: Exploring the broader or more specific implications of a belief.
• Reframing: Changing the meaning of a belief by looking at it from a different perspective.
• Sleight of Mouth Patterns: A set of linguistic strategies for shifting beliefs.
• Perceptual Positions: Viewing a belief from different perspectives (self, other, observer).