Imagine you’re a coach or a psychologist, and a new client walks into your office. They sit down, take a deep breath, and begin to share their story. As they speak, their words are accompanied by a myriad of nonverbal cues – the way they fidget in their seat, the tone of their voice, the expressions on their face. Each of these subtle signals adds depth and meaning to their narrative, painting a vivid picture that goes far beyond the words themselves. This is the essence of the NLP presupposition communication is redundant.
Defining Redundant Communication
In the context of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), the presupposition communication is redundant suggests that every message we convey is reinforced and amplified by multiple channels, including verbal and nonverbal cues.
It implies that the words we speak are just the tip of the iceberg, and that true understanding requires us to interpret the entire spectrum of communication, from body language to tone of voice, and even the subtle nuances of our environment.
Psychological Underpinnings
This presupposition, Communication is Redundant, finds its roots in various psychological theories and concepts, such as:
- Mehrabian’s Communication Model: This model suggests that only 7% of communication is conveyed through words, while 38% is through tone of voice, and a staggering 55% is through body language.
- Congruence: The principle of congruence in NLP emphasizes the importance of aligning our verbal and nonverbal communication for effective messaging.
- Unconscious Communication: Much of our communication happens at an unconscious level, conveying subtle cues and signals that can profoundly impact the overall message.
Examples of Redundant Communication
The NLP presupposition – communication is redundant, manifests itself in various aspects of our daily lives:
- Interpersonal Relationships: When someone says I’m fine, but their body language and tone suggest otherwise, their nonverbal cues convey a different message than their words.
- Public Speaking: Effective public speakers understand the power of using gestures, facial expressions, and vocal variety to reinforce their message.
- Advertising: Successful advertising campaigns often rely on using a combination of visuals, audio, and text to create a lasting impression.
Why Psychologists and Coaches Should Embrace presupposition that Communication is Redundant
For psychologists and coaches, understanding and leveraging redundant communication can be a game-changer. It can help them in:
- Deeper Client Understanding: By paying attention to nonverbal cues, psychologists and coaches can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their clients’ experiences, emotions, and underlying motivations.
- Effective Intervention: Incorporating this NLP presupposition into their practice allows professionals to tailor their interventions and communication styles to better resonate with their clients.
- Building Rapport: Congruent and redundant communication can foster a stronger therapeutic alliance and rapport with clients, creating a safe and trusting environment.
Techniques from Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy (CHP)
Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy (CHP) offers a range of techniques to help clients understand and benefit from the NLP presupposition “Communication is Redundant”:
- Sensory Acuity Exercises: These exercises enhance clients’ awareness of their own nonverbal cues and those of others, fostering a deeper understanding of redundant communication.
- Metaphors and Storytelling: By using metaphors and stories, CHP practitioners can convey messages in a multisensory way, engaging clients’ senses and emotions.
- Mirroring and Matching: Mirroring and matching clients’ nonverbal cues can build rapport and facilitate a deeper connection, allowing for more effective communication.
Challenges and Considerations
While embracing redundant communication can be highly beneficial, it’s important to be mindful of potential challenges:
- Cultural Differences: Nonverbal cues and their interpretations can vary across cultures, requiring sensitivity and awareness.
- Individual Differences: Some individuals may be more adept at nonverbal communication than others, necessitating tailored approaches.
- Ethical Considerations: Professionals should be cautious about making assumptions based solely on nonverbal cues and maintain ethical boundaries.
Conclusion
The NLP presupposition “communication is redundant”, reminds us that every message we convey is a tapestry woven from verbal and nonverbal threads. By embracing this concept, psychologists and coaches can unlock a deeper understanding of their clients, foster stronger therapeutic relationships, and ultimately, create more impactful and transformative experiences. So, the next time you engage in communication, remember to listen not just with your ears, but with all your senses, and unlock the true depth of the message being conveyed.
