015 - Learning Frames of NLP - And How To Apply Them

NLP In Action - Mike Sweet - 10 Minute Coach - Rapid Practical NLP

The is session number 15. This is about learning frames of NLP.

A picture can change by merely changing its frame. Learning frames in NLP allows us to view situations through different lenses.

I'll show 7 NLP learning frames in this session. These are the most used and helpful. In my opinion.

The Outcome Frame

The Outcome Frame is a process that will enable you to find out what people want, and then discover what, if any resources they will require to get what they want. The outcome frame is a created by questioning a person about the outcomes and what they are like for them. It also maximises the chances of getting what they want and can even allow them to evaluate whether they do want it.

"What do you want?" "How will you know when you have it?" "What resources do you need to achieve your outcome?" "What resources do you have that will help you get x?

Working through an outcome frame is very useful to build possibility in a person map. Also, see Well-Formed Outcomes for more on this

Ecology Frame

What's the impact of an event or action you think you want to undertake?

"What might you lose as a result of getting what you want?" "What stops you from having x?"

Initially, an event or action may seem logical and worth aiming for. However, when you look through the ecology lens/frame something, you consider things differently.

As If Frame

As If or fake it until you make it. This has a fantastic effect on a persons ability to be more creative and discover new possible solutions. Basically, what would it be like if something was different?

Some examples: The CEO is away for two weeks, and a significant decision needs to be made.

“What would Mary (CEO) suggest we do now?”

“What will it feel like to have lost three stone in the next six months?”

“If a miracle happened tonight and I had what I wanted, what would that be?”

The "As If" frame is a great way to build possibility. Possibility breeds more possibility and creativity. This is a fantastic way for you and team to break the mould and think and act differently

"What would we do it we stopped allowing ourselves to be limited this way?"

"What would we do as a company if we weren't concerned with cash flow?"

Backtrack Frame

Sometimes called the clarity frame. This is essential for group communication and project management.

You'll hear people use this without intention.

"Let's just backtrack for a moment."

You can use the backtrack frame to check and clarify. This will also boost confidence in the recipient/s as you backtrack and re-confirm all of the salient points. Backtracking allows people to move forward from the same point of reference. If a negotiation is going off track, backtrack, re-align and head forward again. It's a fantastic way to discover where the misalignments, if any, are.

Relevancy Frame

The backtrack frame is useful for discovering the pattern which we are to follow and make sure everyone is on the same page. The relevancy frame is a lens you use if you think a person is "off track". If a line of communication is not relevant, it's easy to muddy the waters. Use the relevancy frame to discover "how is this relevant to this discussion?"

You may well discover how, or park that line of communication to keep things on track. Either way, the relevancy frame keeps communication clean.

Contrast Frame

This is a standard frame. We often compare and contrast options when purchasing.

But think of this as creating a contrast to highlight that action should be taken now. Perhaps a company have called to hire you to train their sales team.

"If you don't commit your sales team to this training now, how much could this cost you over the next 12 months in missed sales?"

This is a great way to contrast "Buying your services" vs "Losing sales"

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Take a look at pricing anchors. This is creating a contrasting frame at its best

Open Frame

Anything goes. What's on your mind right now and what do you feel like expressing?

There is a technique called WIFLE. What I Feel Like Expressing This is an amazing frame to allow people to open up. Non-scripted.

Imagine for a moment a new group of people meet at a training course. Typically these types of setting can have the room go around and say who you are, where you come from and what you want to get from the training. But imagine setting the frame for Just your name and then open..... say what you wish to, relevant at that time.