How do we decide
anything?
(from an NLP viewpoint)
By Mike Friganiotis
How do we decide anything?
W make decisions based on emotion….
e

We e ithe r d e c id e to … . .
a) Move away from pain
b) Move towards pleasure
The n, we us e lo g ic to jus tify tho s e d e c is io ns !!
Decision making
• We avoid perceived risk
• We tend to make decisions
independently, rather than seek the
advice of someone else who can provide a
different perspective
• We will take a sure thing (even when it
doesn’t always make sense) as opposed
to taking the risk of something with a
50/50 chance.
• e.g would you like $50 now, or a chance to get half of
$200 later?
Sub-conscious vs conscious mind
• Our sub-conscious is 1 million times
more powerful!
• It controls up to 97% of our life
• It is incapable of thinking or making
decisions – and it will never be…
• It simply assesses the surroundings and
responds in a way to avoid pain, fear, or
any type of negative associations &
reacts.
• Instinctual behaviour – ‘fight or flight’
Sub-conscious vs. conscious mind
• When we come across something that
involves making a decision, we
sub-consciously cross-reference it with all
our pre-conceived notions & beliefs.
• THEN we make a decision!
Emotion vs. Logic
We are emotional people making decisions
primarily based on emotions
BUT
We think we are logical….
and we try to justify
the decision with logic!
Emotion vs Logic
• First ENGAGE people using logic
• THEN tap into the emotion to get them to
take action
Using Logic
• Third party evidence is a MUST!
• Use a third party expert rather than
presenting evidence from yourself.
• Testimonials are powerful because of this.
Using Logic
• Use up-to-date information…..If you are
trying to make a point, don’t bring up a
study of something that took place 10 or
more years ago…..it will make your
audience doubtful….
• Use evidence that your
audience can relate to…
avoid technical jargon
Mental Triggers
• Obligation/Reciprocity – people generally feel
obligated to return favours or good deeds that
have been done to them by others.

• Likewise, people feel uneasy if they don’t return
favours, or if favours are not returned to them.
Mental Triggers
• Contrast – the perception of
something changes when
compared to something else..
• Generally speaking, if whatever we’re
being presented with now seems equal or
better than something we were presented
with in the past, we will take action to
obtain it.
• Add more benefits/rewards or reduce
consequences/risks to get agreement
Commitment - Types
• A written commitment – an exchange of
signed promises.
• A minor commitment – if you can get a
commitment in ANY form, it will eventually
make it easier to get a larger commitment
• A public commitment – people do not want
to look like hypocrites. The more public
the commitment, the more likely it is to be
kept.
• Commitments must be VOLUNTARY, not
FORCED
Using Logic
•
•
•

•

Use statistics – people love statistics!
Statistics prove that a many people
believe, act or behave in a certain way.
When people see that a MAJORITY
behave in a certain way, they assume it
must be right or correct.
Social proof – if it worked before, it will
probably work again.
Mental Triggers - Connections
• The link that exists between others can be
enough to create the emotional need to
act…
• CONNECTIONS are created using Rapport,
Attraction,
People skills, and
Similarity
Connections
• Rapport – a powerful way to create
rapport is through BODY LANGUAGE (we
are perceived visually through body
language 55% of the time.)
Rapport
• “A loop of mutual influence.” M. Erickson
• Rapport is to communication what fuel is
to a car; without it, you get nowhere.
• Rapport is different from agreement—it is
being understood and regarded.

• Successful people create rapport
and rapport creates trust
Building Rapport - Pacing or
Mirroring
Making yourself similar to your client…
• Repeat their key words & phrases
• Use the same tone of voice
• Similar breathing
• Similar posture
Building Rapport - Leading
After Pacing, Leading is having someone follow you…
• Lead with voice, language and body language.
• You lead the target in the direction you want e.g. name
three statements you know to be true then add one you
want to be true…
Example: “Mr. Stewart you came here today looking for a TV,
(Yes, I told you my old one gave up the ghost)
and you like the features I have showed you on this Sony,
(Yes, that picture in picture was awesome for game day)
You already told me it will fit perfect in your living room.
(Oh yeah I can picture it above the mantle)
and you know you can afford the tiny monthly payment
(Yeah 20 bucks a month is nothing).
So can I help you load it into your car?”
(Yes)
Achieving Credibility
Capable of being believed, worthy of belief
or confidence, trustworthy…….
• If people perceive YOU as credible, they
will be open to your beliefs, values,
opinions and what you have to say.
• Components of credibility include:
Competence,
Likeability,
Expertise,
Composure,
Social ability & Trustworthiness
Representational Systems
We communicate mostly one/two of three
ways….
Representational Systems
• People will often have one or two
preferred representational systems
• These are ones that we will use most
often and, particularly, in times of stress or
pressure
• It can be helpful to identify someone’s
preferred system so that you can
communicate better with them and so that
you can understand how they have
created their way of thinking
Assessment Time!

Do the quiz to see what your main
representational system is……
How we represent
Visual

Auditory

Kinesthetic

I see what you mean

That sounds good to
me

That feels right to me

Looking back

That rings a bell

I’ll be in touch

Pretty as a picture

Singing from the
same hymn sheet

Get a grip

Showing off

Loud and clear

Jump for joy

Clear cut

I’m all ears

Warm hearted

I’ll see to it

It’s music to my ears

Hang on

It looks like

We’re all on the
same wavelength

Too much hassle
Eye Accessing Cues
Visual
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Organized, neat, well-groomed.
Use visualization for memory and decision making - often getting
insights about something.
Are imaginative, may have difficulty putting their ideas in words.
Speak faster than the general population.
Prefer in-person interactions - to see the other person and his/her
reactions.
Want to see or be shown concepts, ideas or how something is done.
Want to see the big picture.
May not remember what people have said or be confused with
verbal instructions.
– Maps/pictures are better

•

Remember faces more easily than names.
Auditory
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aware of change in the tone of your voice
Are responsive to certain tones of voice.
Remember directions or instructions more easily.
Learn by listening and asking questions.
Enjoy discussions and prefer to communicate verbally.
Talk through problems
– like someone to be a sounding board

• Need to be heard.
• Be easily distracted by noise.
• Tend to cross appendages when listening.
Kinesthetic
• More sensitive to their bodies and their
feelings
• Tend to respond to physical rewards and
touching.
• Learn by doing, moving or touching.
• Dress/groom more for comfort than looks.
• Make decisions based on their feelings.
• Stand closer to other people than those
with a visual preference
Time for practice 1
Exercise #1: 2 minutes for each person
Describe your house to your colleague using
your most PREFERRED modality
Time for practice 2
2 minutes for each person:
Describe your house to your colleague using
your LEAST preferred modality
Representational Systems
• How could you apply this knowledge in
your job?
– 1 minute to reflect
– 2 minutes to share
Connections
• Attraction – The more attracted we are to
someone, the more likely we are to agree
with them.
• Attraction includes physical, level of
intelligence, ability to care, ability to make
other people laugh.
Connections
• People skills – using humour & having
people respect you.
• Use a person’s name when
communicating with them.
• Don’t criticize or make fun of people.
Connections
• Similarity – We tend to agree with the
opinions of people that we feel we are
similar to, because we feel that we can
relate to them more.
• Determine the morals and core values of
others, so you can create the similarity
between the two of you and gain
agreement.
The Power of Questions
• They enable you to gain someone’s
attention
• They help alleviate distractions – they
keep your audience engaged
• Want quick agreement or commitment?
Then ask alternate choice questions.
• Ask for success – don’t ask a question in
such a way that your audience can
respond with a “no”
The Power of Questions
• Ask questions and LEAD them where you
want them to be.
• Limit choices to avoid confusion…..give
them ONE or TWO choices only.
Questions - Sequence 1
• Identify the problem – What’s the
problem?
• Identify the consequence of the problem –
What are the possible consequences?
• Identify the chosen solution – What do you
think would fix this? What would be the
ideal outcome for you? What would you
prefer?
Questions - Sequence 2
• Identify the consequences of the solution
– Do you understand the consequences of
your agreed outcome?
• Check for confirmation – Are you really
happy with this result?
• Ensure that the solution is beneficial – Do
you see this as a win for you? Is it a winwin?
Overcoming Resistance
Reactance resistance – a knee-jerk reaction against something in a person’s
mind that jeopardises their freedom, opinion or values
The best way to prevent this from happening is the change the person’s mind
as soon as possible. The longer you let the decision to disagree linger, the
lower your chances of ultimately overcoming the decision
Make YOUR offer look more attractive (+)
Reduce the resistance from your target – let them feel as if they are in control
Point out what the person has to LOSE – will bring anticipated regret (-)
Getting an Agreement
How do YOU achieve that???
The NLP Way – Negotiating a WIN
1. Establish or Re-establish Relationships
(build rapport)
2. Establish the Total Win Mindset
– Clean up past emotional issues
– Get to the real issue
– Allow brainstorming to occur (participation by
participants)

3. Generate Options
– Yours
– His/Hers
– Other

4. Find Mutual Outcomes
5. Close
– Dovetail Outcomes
– Plan a future meeting if necessary (to handle details)

How do we decide anything

  • 1.
    How do wedecide anything? (from an NLP viewpoint) By Mike Friganiotis
  • 2.
    How do wedecide anything? W make decisions based on emotion…. e We e ithe r d e c id e to … . . a) Move away from pain b) Move towards pleasure The n, we us e lo g ic to jus tify tho s e d e c is io ns !!
  • 4.
    Decision making • Weavoid perceived risk • We tend to make decisions independently, rather than seek the advice of someone else who can provide a different perspective • We will take a sure thing (even when it doesn’t always make sense) as opposed to taking the risk of something with a 50/50 chance. • e.g would you like $50 now, or a chance to get half of $200 later?
  • 5.
    Sub-conscious vs consciousmind • Our sub-conscious is 1 million times more powerful! • It controls up to 97% of our life • It is incapable of thinking or making decisions – and it will never be… • It simply assesses the surroundings and responds in a way to avoid pain, fear, or any type of negative associations & reacts. • Instinctual behaviour – ‘fight or flight’
  • 7.
    Sub-conscious vs. consciousmind • When we come across something that involves making a decision, we sub-consciously cross-reference it with all our pre-conceived notions & beliefs. • THEN we make a decision!
  • 8.
    Emotion vs. Logic Weare emotional people making decisions primarily based on emotions BUT We think we are logical…. and we try to justify the decision with logic!
  • 9.
    Emotion vs Logic •First ENGAGE people using logic • THEN tap into the emotion to get them to take action
  • 10.
    Using Logic • Thirdparty evidence is a MUST! • Use a third party expert rather than presenting evidence from yourself. • Testimonials are powerful because of this.
  • 11.
    Using Logic • Useup-to-date information…..If you are trying to make a point, don’t bring up a study of something that took place 10 or more years ago…..it will make your audience doubtful…. • Use evidence that your audience can relate to… avoid technical jargon
  • 12.
    Mental Triggers • Obligation/Reciprocity– people generally feel obligated to return favours or good deeds that have been done to them by others. • Likewise, people feel uneasy if they don’t return favours, or if favours are not returned to them.
  • 13.
    Mental Triggers • Contrast– the perception of something changes when compared to something else.. • Generally speaking, if whatever we’re being presented with now seems equal or better than something we were presented with in the past, we will take action to obtain it. • Add more benefits/rewards or reduce consequences/risks to get agreement
  • 14.
    Commitment - Types •A written commitment – an exchange of signed promises. • A minor commitment – if you can get a commitment in ANY form, it will eventually make it easier to get a larger commitment • A public commitment – people do not want to look like hypocrites. The more public the commitment, the more likely it is to be kept. • Commitments must be VOLUNTARY, not FORCED
  • 15.
    Using Logic • • • • Use statistics– people love statistics! Statistics prove that a many people believe, act or behave in a certain way. When people see that a MAJORITY behave in a certain way, they assume it must be right or correct. Social proof – if it worked before, it will probably work again.
  • 16.
    Mental Triggers -Connections • The link that exists between others can be enough to create the emotional need to act… • CONNECTIONS are created using Rapport, Attraction, People skills, and Similarity
  • 17.
    Connections • Rapport –a powerful way to create rapport is through BODY LANGUAGE (we are perceived visually through body language 55% of the time.)
  • 18.
    Rapport • “A loopof mutual influence.” M. Erickson • Rapport is to communication what fuel is to a car; without it, you get nowhere. • Rapport is different from agreement—it is being understood and regarded. • Successful people create rapport and rapport creates trust
  • 19.
    Building Rapport -Pacing or Mirroring Making yourself similar to your client… • Repeat their key words & phrases • Use the same tone of voice • Similar breathing • Similar posture
  • 20.
    Building Rapport -Leading After Pacing, Leading is having someone follow you… • Lead with voice, language and body language. • You lead the target in the direction you want e.g. name three statements you know to be true then add one you want to be true… Example: “Mr. Stewart you came here today looking for a TV, (Yes, I told you my old one gave up the ghost) and you like the features I have showed you on this Sony, (Yes, that picture in picture was awesome for game day) You already told me it will fit perfect in your living room. (Oh yeah I can picture it above the mantle) and you know you can afford the tiny monthly payment (Yeah 20 bucks a month is nothing). So can I help you load it into your car?” (Yes)
  • 21.
    Achieving Credibility Capable ofbeing believed, worthy of belief or confidence, trustworthy……. • If people perceive YOU as credible, they will be open to your beliefs, values, opinions and what you have to say. • Components of credibility include: Competence, Likeability, Expertise, Composure, Social ability & Trustworthiness
  • 22.
    Representational Systems We communicatemostly one/two of three ways….
  • 23.
    Representational Systems • Peoplewill often have one or two preferred representational systems • These are ones that we will use most often and, particularly, in times of stress or pressure • It can be helpful to identify someone’s preferred system so that you can communicate better with them and so that you can understand how they have created their way of thinking
  • 24.
    Assessment Time! Do thequiz to see what your main representational system is……
  • 25.
    How we represent Visual Auditory Kinesthetic Isee what you mean That sounds good to me That feels right to me Looking back That rings a bell I’ll be in touch Pretty as a picture Singing from the same hymn sheet Get a grip Showing off Loud and clear Jump for joy Clear cut I’m all ears Warm hearted I’ll see to it It’s music to my ears Hang on It looks like We’re all on the same wavelength Too much hassle
  • 26.
  • 27.
    Visual • • • • • • • • Organized, neat, well-groomed. Usevisualization for memory and decision making - often getting insights about something. Are imaginative, may have difficulty putting their ideas in words. Speak faster than the general population. Prefer in-person interactions - to see the other person and his/her reactions. Want to see or be shown concepts, ideas or how something is done. Want to see the big picture. May not remember what people have said or be confused with verbal instructions. – Maps/pictures are better • Remember faces more easily than names.
  • 28.
    Auditory • • • • • • Aware of changein the tone of your voice Are responsive to certain tones of voice. Remember directions or instructions more easily. Learn by listening and asking questions. Enjoy discussions and prefer to communicate verbally. Talk through problems – like someone to be a sounding board • Need to be heard. • Be easily distracted by noise. • Tend to cross appendages when listening.
  • 29.
    Kinesthetic • More sensitiveto their bodies and their feelings • Tend to respond to physical rewards and touching. • Learn by doing, moving or touching. • Dress/groom more for comfort than looks. • Make decisions based on their feelings. • Stand closer to other people than those with a visual preference
  • 30.
    Time for practice1 Exercise #1: 2 minutes for each person Describe your house to your colleague using your most PREFERRED modality
  • 31.
    Time for practice2 2 minutes for each person: Describe your house to your colleague using your LEAST preferred modality
  • 32.
    Representational Systems • Howcould you apply this knowledge in your job? – 1 minute to reflect – 2 minutes to share
  • 33.
    Connections • Attraction –The more attracted we are to someone, the more likely we are to agree with them. • Attraction includes physical, level of intelligence, ability to care, ability to make other people laugh.
  • 34.
    Connections • People skills– using humour & having people respect you. • Use a person’s name when communicating with them. • Don’t criticize or make fun of people.
  • 35.
    Connections • Similarity –We tend to agree with the opinions of people that we feel we are similar to, because we feel that we can relate to them more. • Determine the morals and core values of others, so you can create the similarity between the two of you and gain agreement.
  • 36.
    The Power ofQuestions • They enable you to gain someone’s attention • They help alleviate distractions – they keep your audience engaged • Want quick agreement or commitment? Then ask alternate choice questions. • Ask for success – don’t ask a question in such a way that your audience can respond with a “no”
  • 37.
    The Power ofQuestions • Ask questions and LEAD them where you want them to be. • Limit choices to avoid confusion…..give them ONE or TWO choices only.
  • 38.
    Questions - Sequence1 • Identify the problem – What’s the problem? • Identify the consequence of the problem – What are the possible consequences? • Identify the chosen solution – What do you think would fix this? What would be the ideal outcome for you? What would you prefer?
  • 39.
    Questions - Sequence2 • Identify the consequences of the solution – Do you understand the consequences of your agreed outcome? • Check for confirmation – Are you really happy with this result? • Ensure that the solution is beneficial – Do you see this as a win for you? Is it a winwin?
  • 40.
    Overcoming Resistance Reactance resistance– a knee-jerk reaction against something in a person’s mind that jeopardises their freedom, opinion or values The best way to prevent this from happening is the change the person’s mind as soon as possible. The longer you let the decision to disagree linger, the lower your chances of ultimately overcoming the decision Make YOUR offer look more attractive (+) Reduce the resistance from your target – let them feel as if they are in control Point out what the person has to LOSE – will bring anticipated regret (-)
  • 41.
    Getting an Agreement Howdo YOU achieve that???
  • 42.
    The NLP Way– Negotiating a WIN 1. Establish or Re-establish Relationships (build rapport) 2. Establish the Total Win Mindset – Clean up past emotional issues – Get to the real issue – Allow brainstorming to occur (participation by participants) 3. Generate Options – Yours – His/Hers – Other 4. Find Mutual Outcomes 5. Close – Dovetail Outcomes – Plan a future meeting if necessary (to handle details)