Welcome to Successful NLP. This book has been written for people like you, people who are interested in discovering just how useful NLP is, and how it can help them to get better results, faster; in all areas of their life. It is written particularly for people who have had either little or no previous exposure to NLP, or those who may have attended a brief course and want to delve a little more deeply. NLP was initially developed in the mid 1970s, and for a while was treated with some scepticism in certain quarters. It has developed to such an extent that it is increasingly being recognised and accepted academically. For example, there are Masters Degrees in NLP and related topics from a UK University, with a few high-quality NLP courses qualifying for credits towards postgraduate NLP qualifications. In addition, in 2008 The University of Surrey ran the first International NLP Research Conference, where delegates presented research papers which prove the effectiveness of NLP. Further similar conferences have been planned, and the volume of academically-based evidence that NLP is effective is increasing rapidly.

The purpose of Successful NLP is to provide you with information about NLP and how to use it to improve the results you get in life, and to help you to have more of what you want and less of what you don''t want. Successful NLP contains only the minimum background theory; meaning it has the maximum amount of information possible dedicated to providing you with useful, practical tips on how to use NLP most effectively. How This Book is Structured The book is separated into four parts: Part 1 provides an essential background to the work we will cover in subsequent parts. There is some theory in Part 1 to provide a foundation for the rest of the book. Part 2 considers communication, the sometimes hidden or subtle meaning of words, and how to use words even more effectively to enhance your communication. It also considers non-verbal communication, which, as you will see, can be even more important than verbal communication. Part 3 is the bulk of the book, and considers how to change behaviours and responses and hence your results, the ''nuts and bolts'' of NLP. For each topic, you will learn why it is useful, the relevant information about the topic and how to use it.

Part 4 covers gaining even greater insight into yourself and others. Finally, the appendices contain a brief word on some of the NLP topics not covered in this book, a summary of how to apply the information written in this book, information about NLP training courses, a [i]References and further reading[/i] guide and a glossary of terms. All of the chapters have exercises, tips and examples of how the techniques have been used with people in all areas of life - business/work, relationships, coaching, sport education and health. It is recommended that you, the reader, do the exercises that are relevant to you. Please note that the names (and sometimes the gender) of the people referred to in the examples have been changed in order to preserve client confidentiality. By the very nature of this topic, some of the techniques will be explained in some detail to enable you to be able to know how to use the ''techniques''. How To Get The Most From Successful NLP As mentioned earlier, Successful NLP is very much a ''how to'' book. There are numerous exercises and, in order to assist you in developing the skill to use the techniques effectively for yourself, the processes are explained step by step.

It may be useful, and even necessary, to re-read some of the processes, or refer to them whilst doing the exercises. When I was learning NLP I found that the more I read through and then practised a particular NLP process the better I was able to do it. It is recommended that you do as many of the exercises as possible, especially those which may initially seem a little challenging to you and which you may find would benefit you. You may want to re-visit sections of this book every few months to refresh your memory - I guarantee you every time you refer to the book you will learn something new because your base knowledge will have increased and therefore you will be reading it through ''new eyes''. To assist you in working through this book, there is a glossary with an explanation of the main terminology used in this book. ]A Quick Word of Caution NLP coaching techniques are potentially powerful tools and are only to be used in a way that is beneficial to all people involved. They are not to be abused or misused. Although many of the techniques in NLP can be used by qualified NLP Practitioners, Master Practitioners and Trainers to assist others to make changes to various aspects of their life, [i]Successful NLP[/i] is written primarily for people to use in their own lives.

I would strongly suggest that unless you are qualified in NLP, that you limit any use of the NLP change techniques (particularly those in Part 3) to yourself. Although NLP techniques are increasingly being used by medical professionals, therapists and counsellors, they are not a substitute for medical advice, therapy or counselling if that is what someone needs. And finally. I hope that you enjoy and benefit from reading the book and using the techniques as much as I have enjoyed and benefitted from learning and using the skills.