Quantum NLP» Book Reviews Archives | Quantum NLP

NLP (and other subjects) book reviews

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:17:38 +0000

We have chosen to review some of these books for a few reasons. Firstly, many people will tend to review the ‘classic’ NLP books and we thought this might be different, in that we will focus on the classics as well as new examples of NLP literature, and some books that are not specifically NLP, but are on the periphery or support NLP in their text. Secondly, Sensory Acuity, is a skill that the NLP practitioner needs to enable their practice of the art and science of NLP, and thirdly, I have been reading more and more into the role of the unconscious in things we think we are consciously doing: decision making and communicating being just two examples.

We have reviewed the following books so far, with a view to adding to this as we move through the year. The postings will be on this page, with links to a more detailed version of the review. Our map is not the territory, so, whilst our views are valid they are not gospel. If you like the review and accept the thoughts – great! If you have an alternative perspective – great! The world is as we experience it. You can add your comments or discussion points on the blog page.

You can buy these and other NLP and related books at our bookshop

The Sourcebook of Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to NLP Change Patterns

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:12:08 +0000

ISBN-10: 1904424252
ISBN-13: 978-1904424253

We have both the first and second editions of this book in the Quantum library. The reference materials are well written and the processes well described, and it is great to find most of the patterns of NLP in one place. You could look at the title and say that it can’t be the source, in that the patterns covered have differing genealogy, and, as NLP by nature should be continually developing, what is the source today is not the source tomorrow.

However, we would liken this text to a good cookbook; first you stick to the recipe like glue, ensuring all the aspects are covered and the ingredients are in exact quantities. Then, when you become more confident, you begin to relax and just know what goes where. Finally you become confident enough to experiment with the structure and form of things to come up with a new dish of your own.

That being said there are some things that need to be mentioned. The step-by-step approach is great for the new explorer of NLP in a safe (training?) environment, however, each process is treated in isolation and gives no guidance to ‘what if situations’ – what is the session with a live client is less than perfect? So, while we would say that this is an excellent reference material for the more seasoned practitioner, in our opinion, if you are new to NLP get schooled in the art and then get cooking with the patterns in the book. We would also say that, based on some feedback that we got from someone we gave the book to; the introduction is a bit heavy. Again, great if you have a grounding in NLP but a bit daunting for some new entrants.

As we mentioned earlier, we have both editions of this book and, to better enable us to train others in the techniques in the cookbook, we would like to have seen the originator of each patterns referenced, so that we can offer a preamble that includes the originator, the application and the process. We like this book and, of all the NLP on the shelves, this is clear, concise, accessible and possibly the best value for money NLP reference book in our collection.

Persuasion Skills Black Book: Practical NLP Language Patterns for Getting The Response You Want by Rintu Basu

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:09:05 +0000

ISBN-10: 190543054X
ISBN-13: 978-1905430543

This is one of our contentious reviews. We saw this book and thought that it may an example of one of the things that give NLP a bad name, with its focus on ‘getting what you want’. We weren’t disappointed, however, for us the book still has merit.

The book is, on the whole, well written and concise, and the content does address the topic as advertised in the title. However, we feel that this type of book is really an advertisement for the author, their other material and the trainings they offer, rather than a complete end in itself.

The author has a disclaimer in the opening chapter regarding the power of the language patterns contained within the book, and he states that the techniques should be used for mutual benefit, whilst acknowledging that some may use them for manipulation (as per the title). He implies his best intention whilst using terms such as ‘before you unleash this pattern on the unsuspecting public’. There are also references to the application of the patterns in sexual contexts. Hmmm.

There is a great amount of repetition, of both the techniques and the ideas they come from. This means that we reached the end without feeling that we had covered very much ground. That being said, the author does cover significant language patterns and shows how they can be integrated into both conversation and text easily – without the recipient necessarily noticing. We liked the way that the author explains the pattern, provides examples and then asks you to go forth and practice. Much of the elegance in language usage comes for fully integrating the pattern into your style.

For us, if you can ignore the less favourable aspects of the application of NLP and are have an interest in the language aspect of NLP you will get some nice examples of the application of Reframing, Milton model and Slight of Mouth language patterns.

Unmasking the Face: A Guide to Recognizing Emotions from Facial Expressions by Paul Ekman

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:04:33 +0000

ISBN-10: 1883536367
ISBN-13: 978-1883536367

This book was reviewed because of the parity to Sensory Acuity, and that this is a skill required of an NLP practitioner at all levels. We are also intrigued by the number of scientific studies that are attributing more credibility to the unconscious mind and the role it plays in everyday life. The author of this book, Paul Ekman is the resident Professor of Psychology at the University of California, specialising in facial language and is the person that the recent Fox TV series “Lie to me” is based on.

The first few chapters of the book are general discussion about facial expressions. It also answers the question of cultural variance when looking into communication, in that the unconscious facial expression of emotion is cross cultural – they are the same regardless of social norms, religion, language etc. This for us, was the most interesting aspect of the book, as we have worked with audiences from North America to China, and have noticed as much in the way of similarity of response as we have difference.

The book then goes in to discussion and example of individual expressions such as fear, disgust etc. For the purpose of demonstration, the each expression is quite exaggerated, with it appearing that the subjects have been told to ‘look angry’ etc. – this manifests itself by providing mechanical and unrealistic looks. However, this ‘acting’ provides insight into why we may get that feeling that, although someone says they agree, we feel they don’t. It highlights the difference between someone who is acting an emotion and one who is feeling an emotion.

The book explains all the movements of the facial muscles in conjunction with each of six basic emotions and explains variations. Chapter eleven explains ‘micro-expressions’. These last less than a second but are unconscious indicators of the true nature of what an individual is feeling. They operate a bit like a blush, in that, by the time you’ve felt it, its already happened.

If you are interested in any kind of analysis of emotional states expressed on the face, it is a great reference book and one that is always cited in other face perception studies.

Turtles All The Way Down: Prerequisites to personal genius by Judith DeLozier and John Grinder

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:00:58 +0000

ISBN-10: 1555520227
ISBN-13: 978-1555520229

This is was one of those books that requires the reader to dedicate a bit of time and focus to it. Having met Judy on one of the weekends held at the Northern School of NLP I was prepared to make that investment. The writing style helped me stay on track in that, although it is written in the form of a transcript, the content is engaging, clever and amusing.

The book has been around for some time; it came out in 1987, and is focused on “New Code” NLP. The core of New Code at that time, and the focus of this book, is on the use of perceptual positions, on trusting your unconscious (an area where science now seems to be catching up with NLP in the value associated with that particular resource), on focusing your attention and on observing and working with patterns and how to interrupt them.

If you can’t get to see Judith de Lozier or John Grinder in the flesh then reading this book could be said to be the next best thing as it is a transcript of a one of their workshops. I would also say that, having first read the book as a budding Master Prac and having seen Judy in action, I feel that I got the most from it because I had an understanding of NLP. For me this is not a ‘first touch’ book on the subject.

The ideas in the book departed quite strongly from the original process focused NLP framework of the 1970’s and the book still may challenge preconceptions of ‘what is NLP’. If for no other reason this is a good reason to read the book – it provides a fresh perspective, even though it was first published more than twenty years ago. It’s genuinely thought provoking, and easily worth the investment.

What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s guide to speed-reading people by Joe Navarro

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:52:50 +0000

ISBN-10: 0061438294
ISBN-13: 978-0061438295

Whilst we have learned from the many books on nonverbal language, in most instances we subscribe to the ‘body language as an indicator of something’ school of thought. However this is probably the most extensively field-tested we have come across and is illustrated with lots of demonstration photos. Navarro had, by his own admission, an innate capability in translating facial movements to meaning (slightly raised eyebrow = friendly vs slight squint = unfriendly). Whilst, in NLP, we could put this down to mind reading, he continually honed his skills as an FBI agent and ended up lecturing both the FBI and police on body language.

The book provides background psychology behind many of our unconscious actions, which could be a dry subject. However, this is written so as to be both easy to read and understand. Although it is focused on business interactions, the techniques can easily be translated to any social interaction and specifically to the world of training and practicing NLP.

Due to the focus being on what other people are communicating via body signals, and that many of these signals are unconscious, it does not really help with your own communication skills (in that we don’t know what we don’t know) other than to raise your awareness of the importance of the primary means of communication – your physiology. It does provide excellent information on how to identify physical contradictions or incongruence’s between what is being said versus what the subject is physically projecting.

My Voice Will Go with You: Teaching Tales of Milton H. Erikson

David — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:42:11 +0000

ISBN-10: 0393301354
ISBN-13: 978-0393301359

For me this is one of those classic books that are a must read for those interested in the history of NLP. Milton Erikson was one of the original exemplars that, once modeled, became the foundation of the field we know as NLP. This book is a great introduction to Erickson and the foundations of the Milton model language of NLP. It provides a series of Miltons stories which demonstrate his skill in the use of metaphor, narrative and artfully vague language patterns.

Essentially this is a book of anecdotes, with the author, a psychiatrist and hypnotherapist, providing explanation of the methods and techniques being he has used. Each of the stories used are in the form of case studies, relating to Miltons clients over time. Milton worked with all forms of problem states by using a combination of technique and the text provides valuable insights into his process.

It is a book that will engage many, from those who are just interested in the art of story telling (powerful in its own right), those embarking on their own NLP journey, and those who are involved in formal communication for whatever reason. So, whilst there is much to learn from Milton in the application of technique in NLP I found that reading this book improved my communication and my ability to use storytelling as part of my communication toolset.

After reading this book I was enthused enough to go on to train in Eriksonian Hypnotherapy as well as obtaining footage and tapes of the man himself. Enough said!