what are predicates?
predicates in nlp are words and phrases (primarily verbs, adverbs and adjectives) that often presuppose one of the representational systems.
representational systems
can you find the predicates in the following four sentences and notice the obvious differences.
you may have noticed that the first sentence uses visual predicates. the second auditory predicates. the third - kinesthetic predicates and the fourth uses predicates that are sensory based(auditory digital), yet all four sentences convey the same general meaning. interesting, isn't it? we all use words to describe our thoughts and therefore if you are a "visual" person, you will use visual words. if you are an auditory person then you will use words that sound right(pun intended). the same goes for the other predicates. no one person is only visual, auditory or kenesthetic, however, we all have a "preferred representational system".
the predicates that a person uses will provide you with an indication of the person’s preferred representational system and therefore, if you are listening with the "right ear", you can speak the same language as the person you are speaking with. something to think about? how will this help you in your business career, social life and love life?
representational systems
- visual (things you see),
- auditory (things you hear),
- kinaesthetic (things you feel or tactile sensations),
- olfactory (things you smell), and
- gustatory (things you taste)
can you find the predicates in the following four sentences and notice the obvious differences.
- "that is a bright idea, let's look into it."
- "that sounds like a great idea, i would love to hear more."
- "you have handed me a solution that is absolutely solid, i need a week to fully grasp it."
- "you have provided me with a way to proceed that makes perfect sense and i would like have more details."
you may have noticed that the first sentence uses visual predicates. the second auditory predicates. the third - kinesthetic predicates and the fourth uses predicates that are sensory based(auditory digital), yet all four sentences convey the same general meaning. interesting, isn't it? we all use words to describe our thoughts and therefore if you are a "visual" person, you will use visual words. if you are an auditory person then you will use words that sound right(pun intended). the same goes for the other predicates. no one person is only visual, auditory or kenesthetic, however, we all have a "preferred representational system".
the predicates that a person uses will provide you with an indication of the person’s preferred representational system and therefore, if you are listening with the "right ear", you can speak the same language as the person you are speaking with. something to think about? how will this help you in your business career, social life and love life?
examples of predicates.
visual |
auditory tonal
|
kinesthetic
|
auditory digital |
|
an eyeful
bird’s eye view bright clear clear dawn foggy focused hazy illuminate imagine look naked eye paint a picture picture reveal see short sighted sight for sore eyes take a peek tunnel vision view |
|
you don't have to learn these predicates, only know that they are used in language and that the more aware you are of them, the better you will be able to communicate with others - resulting in rapport you never thought possible!
for the next few days, keep your ears open and begin communicating with others using their predicates. doing this will get you into the habit of using your ears and not your mouth...after all - we do have two ears and one mouth. you will be amazed at how quickly you "get along" with the people around you.
enjoy!
for the next few days, keep your ears open and begin communicating with others using their predicates. doing this will get you into the habit of using your ears and not your mouth...after all - we do have two ears and one mouth. you will be amazed at how quickly you "get along" with the people around you.
enjoy!
