Introduction
The Sleight of Mouth Patterns (SOMPs) are a set of language patterns used in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to reframe beliefs, change perspectives, and influence thinking. With this free SOMPS template you have powerful online tools for transforming limiting beliefs and opening up new possibilities in communication.
Sleight of Mouth Patterns
NLP Meta Model Patterns
Intention
Definition: Identifying the positive intention behind the belief or statement.
Example: Initial Belief: "I must always be perfect."
SOMP Response: "What positive intention are you trying to achieve by always being perfect?"
Questions: "What is the positive intention behind this belief?" "What are you trying to achieve with this belief?"
Redefining
Definition: Changing the meaning of the belief or statement by redefining the terms used.
Example: Initial Belief: "Failure is bad."
SOMP Response: "Failure is not bad, it's just a learning opportunity."
Questions: "How else can we define this?" "What does this really mean?"
Consequence
Definition: Pointing out the potential consequences of holding the belief or statement.
Example: Initial Belief: "I can't trust anyone."
SOMP Response: "What will happen if you continue to believe that you can't trust anyone?"
Questions: "What will happen if you continue to believe this?" "What are the long-term effects of this belief?"
Chunk Down
Definition: Breaking down the belief or statement into smaller, more specific parts.
Example: Initial Belief: "I'm a failure."
SOMP Response: "In what specific areas do you feel like a failure?"
Questions: "What specifically does this mean?" "Can you give an example?"
Chunk Up
Definition: Generalizing the belief or statement to a higher level.
Example: Initial Belief: "I lost my job, so I am a failure."
SOMP Response: "Is losing a job the only measure of success in life?"
Questions: "What is this an example of?" "What is the bigger picture here?"
Analogy
Definition: Using an analogy or metaphor to shift the meaning of the belief or statement.
Example: Initial Belief: "I'm stuck in my career."
SOMP Response: "Sometimes, being stuck is like a butterfly in a cocoon; it's just a phase before something beautiful emerges."
Questions: "What does this remind you of?" "Can you think of a similar situation where things turned out differently?"
Change Frame Size
Definition: Expanding or shrinking the context in which the belief or statement is made.
Example: Initial Belief: "This project is a failure."
SOMP Response: "Compared to what? Maybe it's just a stepping stone to a bigger success."
Questions: "How does this fit into the bigger picture?" "What happens when you look at this on a smaller scale?"
Another Outcome
Definition: Suggesting a different outcome or perspective.
Example: Initial Belief: "I'll never be good at this."
SOMP Response: "What if this is just the first step toward mastering something new?"
Questions: "What other outcomes are possible?" "What could be another way to see this?"
Model Of The World
Definition: Challenging the belief by introducing a different worldview or perspective.
Example: Initial Belief: "The world is a cruel place."
SOMP Response: "Isn't it true that some people see the world as a place full of opportunities and kindness?"
Questions: "How might someone else view this?" "Is this the only way to see the world?"
Reality Strategy
Definition: Questioning the strategy or process used to arrive at the belief or statement.
Example: Initial Belief: "I'm always unlucky."
SOMP Response: "How do you know when you're unlucky? What's the process you use to determine that?"
Questions: "What process did you use to come to this belief?" "How do you know this is true?"
Counterexample
Definition: Providing an example that contradicts the belief or statement.
Example: Initial Belief: "I always fail."
SOMP Response: "Can you think of a time when you succeeded?"
Questions: "Has there ever been a time when this wasn't true?" "Can you think of an exception?"
Hierarchy of Criteria
Definition: Challenging the belief by addressing higher-level values or criteria.
Example: Initial Belief: "I need to work all the time to be successful."
SOMP Response: "Is success more important than your health and happiness?"
Questions: "What is more important to you than this?" "How does this belief align with your highest values?"
Apply to Self
Definition: Applying the belief or statement to the person who made it.
Example: Initial Belief: "People shouldn't be so selfish."
SOMP Response: "Isn't that statement a little selfish too?"
Questions: "How does this belief apply to you?" "Are you holding yourself to the same standard?"
Takeaways and Conclusions
The Sleight of Mouth Patterns (SOMPs) are versatile tools for challenging and reframing beliefs. They encourage critical thinking and allow individuals to explore different perspectives, which can lead to more constructive outcomes in communication and personal development. By understanding and applying these patterns, one can effectively influence their own beliefs and those of others in a positive and empowering way.
Alternative Methods to Sleight of Mouth Patterns
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts through goal-oriented, systematic procedures.
- Reframing in Hypnotherapy: A technique in hypnosis that helps clients change the meaning of a situation or behavior to shift their emotional response.
- Six Thinking Hats: A parallel thinking process developed by Edward de Bono that encourages individuals to view a situation from different perspectives or "hats."
- Socratic Questioning: A method of disciplined questioning that can help explore complex ideas, uncover underlying assumptions, and challenge beliefs.
