NLP – Successful Communication and Personal Development

Why this book?

This book has been a classic among introductory works on NLP for decades – and rightly so. In 1992, it was the first comprehensive overview of NLP. The two authors bring together structure, depth and comprehensibility and show how NLP can become a real tool for self-development, coaching and successful communication. In doing so, they convey NLP not as a rigid technical model, but as an invitation to consciously shape your life and relationships. At the same time, this book was also my very first NLP book. I read it repeatedly before and during my NLP Practitioner training and found it extremely beneficial. I also used it repeatedly as a reference in my early years as an NLP trainer. It is a great overview – not American like many others, but deep and well-founded.

Content & structure

The book offers a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the world of NLP. The authors explain the basic assumptions of NLP, show how we construct our reality, and provide practical guidance on key methods of change and communication.

Perception & internal representations
Readers learn how we process information through our senses (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, etc.) and how so-called submodalities – subtle differences in images, sounds and feelings – can be used in a targeted manner to change internal experiences.

Communication & language
There is a strong focus on the targeted use of language. The Meta Model helps to question unclear or restrictive statements and communicate more precisely. The Milton Model, on the other hand, shows how gentle language patterns can be used to access the unconscious mind – for example, in coaching or conversation. The use of metaphors is also explained clearly.

Interpersonal connection & rapport
How can you quickly build trust? The book provides easy-to-use tools – such as pacing and leading, calibrating and consciously adapting to the body language and speech patterns of the person you are talking to.

Goals & change techniques
Key NLP techniques such as anchoring, the swish technique, reframing and working with inner parts are presented in a practical manner. This also includes formulating motivating goals using the PABS-BRAGÖR model.

Beliefs, values & identity
A particularly effective part of the book deals with working on limiting beliefs, recognising value hierarchies and the question of at what level change should take place – from behaviour to identity.

Application in everyday life and work
Finally, the authors show how NLP can be used effectively in everyday life, in relationships, at work, in learning or in leadership – always with an ethical view of responsibility and impact. Each chapter contains easy-to-understand explanations and clear examples – ideal for self-learners, beginners or participants in NLP training.

Who is this book suitable for?

• Beginners who want to understand NLP from the ground up
• Participants in basic NLP seminars, for preparation or follow-up
• Coaches, trainers and consultants who are looking for clear explanations for their clients
• People who are interested in personal development without immediately completing a training course

Book details

Title: NLP – Successful Communication and Personal Development
Authors: Joseph O’Connor & John Seymour
Publisher: VAK-Verlag
Scope: 320 Pages
ISBN: 978-3873873963 (German edition)

Biography of the authors

Joseph O’Connor
Joseph O'Connor (born 1953) is one of the most internationally renowned NLP trainers and authors. He comes from Great Britain and has written over 20 books, which have been translated into more than 30 languages. In addition to NLP, he is deeply involved in coaching, systemic thinking and emotional intelligence. He is a co-founder of the International Coaching Community (ICC) and combines Western models such as NLP with Eastern philosophy and mindfulness in his training courses. His writing style is analytical and inspiring at the same time, with a strong focus on practical applicability.

John Seymour
John Seymour is one of the first NLP trainers in the United Kingdom. He is one of the pioneers who made the NLP model popular in the English-speaking world. As a trainer, consultant and author, he has contributed over many years to teaching NLP in a practical and ethically sound manner. He is particularly interested in the application of NLP in education, interpersonal communication and personal growth. His style is clear, structured and methodical – with the aim of making NLP accessible to everyone.