I was reflecting on the Hypnotic Language Class and felt like sharing a couple of things you may find immediately useful. I would also be curious about how your communications transform when you've implemented these very simple ideas here...
Beyond conscious conversation lies the art of subliminal influence: the ability to plant ideas so subtly that they just become a natural part of someone's consciousness and vocabulary.
This was the hallmark of Milton H. Erickson, one of my role models and a genius, a master of strategic hypnosis and therapeutic transformation. Erickson’s brilliance lay in his ability to guide people to profound realizations through embedded suggestions, permissive language and masterful storytelling...
Here’s how it works, on a very simplistic level. Instead of making a direct statement or command, you may weave a suggestion into a broader context, enabling you to bypass client resistance, and speaking directly to the unconscious mind. It works because you are not giving them any opportunity to resist, as the permission to resist is already built into what you are saying. This creates an illusion of choice....
Example 1: Calming Anxiety
Imagine someone is nervous about an upcoming presentation. You could say:
"Don’t be nervous." That would not yield much of a result, would it
Actually, such an "instruction" might only highlight their anxiety. Instead, you might say:
"As you are preparing, just tale a moment and take a deep breath. You might just discover those moments moments when you feel calm, and when you connect to that calmness, you may also feel immediately more confident, because confidence comes with calmness of the mind, and those feelings can begin to grow as the day evolves."
Here, the suggestion of calm and confidence is embedded within a natural observation.
Their mind absorbs it without resistance, and the idea starts to take root. Of course you can play with it and take it much further...
Example 2: Encouraging New Perspectives
Let’s say someone is stuck in their thinking, resistant to new ideas. Instead of pushing them, you could say:
"It’s interesting how sometimes, just considering a different angle could open up unexpected possibilities you haven't yet become aware of... I’ve seen that happen for so many people."
You’re not telling them to change their mind. You’re planting the idea that exploring new perspectives can lead to new discoveries. This kind of language is subtle, and works like a dream...And that's only the tip of the iceberg...
Share your thoughts...