The NLP Meta Model Practical Worksheet
The Neuro-Linguistic Programming Meta Model is a set of linguistic tools designed to help people identify and challenge the limitations in their thinking and communication patterns. Below is an Worksheet overview of the model's components, each with a brief definition and practical examples or questions for deeper exploration.
Sleight of Mouth Patterns
NLP Meta Model Patterns
| Meta Model Category | Definition | Practical Examples / Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Deletions (Information Gathering) | ||
| Deletions | Omitting crucial details in communication. | Example: "I'm upset." Question: "What specifically are you upset about?" |
| Unspecified Referential Index | Referring to someone or something without clarity. | Example: "They don't care." Question: "Who specifically doesn't care?" |
| Unspecified Verbs | Using vague verbs that lack clarity in action. | Example: "He hurt me." Question: "How exactly did he hurt you?" |
| Nominalizations | Turning dynamic processes into static events. | Example: "Our communication is failing." Question: "How would you prefer to communicate?" |
| Generalizations (Setting and Identifying Limits) | ||
| Generalizations | Applying one experience to all situations. | Example: "I always fail." Question: "Can you think of a time when you didn't fail?" |
| Universal Quantifiers | Using absolute terms like "always" or "never". | Example: "Everyone ignores me." Question: "Everyone? Can you think of someone who doesn't?" |
| Modal Operators | Statements reflecting necessity or possibility. | Example: "I must finish this." Question: "What would happen if you didn't?" |
| Distortions (Semantic Ill-formedness) | ||
| Distortions | Misrepresenting reality or cause-effect links. | Example: "He makes me feel bad." Question: "How does he make you feel that way?" |
| Complex Equivalence | Equating two unrelated things as equal. | Example: "She doesn't talk to me; she must be angry." Question: "Is there another reason she might not be talking?" |
| Cause & Effect | Believing one event directly causes another. | Example: "If I fail this, my life is over." Question: "Is this the only possible outcome?" |
| Presuppositions | Hidden assumptions within statements. | Example: "Why do you always interrupt me?" Question: "What makes you think I always interrupt?" |
| Mind Reading | Assuming you know others' thoughts or feelings. | Example: "You don't care about me." Question: "How do you know what I feel?" |
| Lost Performative | Value judgments without a clear source. | Example: "It's wrong to be late." Question: "Who says it's wrong?" |
The Worksheet model focuses on identifying and addressing deletions, generalizations, and distortions in language and thinking. Coaches or practitioners can use NLP Meta Model Free Worksheet to help clients gain clarity, improve communication, and overcome limiting beliefs.
