I’m not well-versed in the rapport-building technique (my phrase) known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming. In fact, I’m not certain that is the correct definition of the acronym NLP. But it is fascinating information. Geoffrey James discusses this topic in his blog post Ten Seconds to Better Rapport:
This method based upon the scientific observation that people have what are sometimes called “thought modalities” or, more colloquially, “have their brain wired different ways.” Research has shown that most people favor one of the three different modalities:
- Visual. The person values and responds to what he or she SEES. A visual person will tend to dress flashy, talk quickly, and use plenty of broad hand gestures.
- Auditory. The person values and responds to what he or she HEARS. An auditory person will tend to dress conservatively, talk in an even tone, and use subtle hand gestures, usually synchronized with what’s being said.
- Kinesthetic. The person values and responds to what he or she FEELS. A kinesthetic person will tend to dress casually, talk quite slowly, and make many “checking” gestures, like touching their chin while thinking.
I’ve had some exposure to this training and it is highly effective. It isn’t going to close sales for you or trick a prospect into buying. The thought modalities simply allow you to access the prospect’s preferred communication channel. If you combine this knowledge with an understanding of DISC profiles, you have a highly skilled communicator who can establish rapport quickly.
If they can qualify too, you have a superstar salesperson.