Pace and Lead: The Grammar of Rapport
Matthew C. Bronson
Anthropology of Consciousness March 1, 1996 DOI: 10.1525/ac.1996.7.1.34 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Practical guide or manual Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that a simple communication pattern called "pace and lead"—sensorily verifiable statements followed by a positive suggestion, derived from hypnotic induction techniques—underlies virtually all communication intended to influence, manipulate, or heal. Proposes that this exercise deserves broader inclusion in consciousness curricula and can concretely embody abstract issues about language's role in creating personal and cultural "realities." |
Abstract
Neurlolinguistic programming is a powerful technology for modelling aspects of human excellence so that others can achieve similar levels of effectiveness. This article describes how to teach a simple communication pattern called "pace and lead,” derived from studies of the hypnotic induction techniques of such master hypnotists as Milton Erickson. The "Pace and Lead" frame consists of several sensorily verifiable statements (pace) followed by a positive suggestion (lead). This pattern is the basis for virtually all communication which seeks to influence, manipulate or heal and as such, constitutes a very useful skill with a wide variety of applications.This frame—simple in its outward form but profound in its potential extension to a variety of real world situations—deserves more general inclusion in the teaching of consciousness curriculum. Anthropologists with an interest in language and consciousness issues will appreciate the accessibility of the exercise and its ability to concretely embody abstract issues such as the role of language in the creation of personal and cultural "realities.”