In the previous (first) Blog on Pre-Supps we looked at the foundational Pre Supposition The Map is not the territory now we will continue on our Quest.
(The map is not the territory).
People respond according to their map of the world.
We experience the world through our senses.
The meaning of your communication is the response you get
People respond according to their map of the world.
Our behaviour and communication stem from how we perceive reality, not necessarily how it is.
Let’s read that again, shall we?
Our behaviour and communication stem from how we perceive reality, not necessarily how it is
When someone reacts in a way that seems irrational or unexpected, it often makes perfect sense within the context of their internal map. This principle invites compassion and curiosity rather than judgment. It’s especially useful in coaching, therapy, or conflict resolution, where understanding someone’s mental and emotional framework can help identify blocks or points of connection.
Rather than blaming or criticizing, we can ask, “What map must this person be using to respond this way?” This allows for rapport-building and opens up new possibilities for mutual understanding.
Presuppositions: The founding fathers of NLP formalized ideas “Of what needs to be in place in order to…”
We experience the world through our senses.
All our knowledge begins with sensory input: what we see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. In NLP, this is known as the representational system. The representational system, the VAKOG is the secret of secrets. I am not going into any detail here about VAKOG, but please understand this word say it a few times VA-KOG, VAK-KOG.
People tend to favour one or two senses more strongly, which influences how they process and communicate information. Some may be more visual, saying things like “I see what you mean,” while others are more auditory or kinesthetic. Recognizing these patterns enhances communication, persuasion, and self-awareness.
This presupposition reminds us to become more attuned to sensory details in ourselves and others, which can improve memory, learning, and emotional intelligence.
V for Victory or Visual, A for Audio, K for Touchy Feely, O for Olfactory (Smell) and the G for Gusto-tory (taste). That’s all you need to know for now.
The meaning of your communication is the response you get.
Intent does not equal impact or Intention does not equal the response. What this means is that means that what you meant to say or do isn’t always what the other person receives or experiences. This principle states that the effectiveness of communication is measured by the outcome it produces, not just what was intended. If someone misinterprets your words or responds negatively, it’s a sign to adjust your approach. Rather than blaming the listener, NLP encourages flexibility and responsibility. This presupposition empowers you to become a better communicator by calibrating and adjusting based on feedback. Whether in personal relationships, sales, leadership, or therapy, it reinforces the idea that we must tailor our message to the receiver’s map for true connection and influence.
This usually happens to me on dates, I went to the Zoo recently, on a date and saw a king Cobra, in the reptile enclosure and being fascinated by snakes I said to then beloved partner “Hey you remind me of a snake” and before I realised what I had meant to say, it was all over!” and just for clarification in case you are of the weaker species, I meant to say “You are black, beautiful, slender and I cant wait to wrap you up…. But she thought. Well you know what she thought.
You might have had the best intentions — to be helpful, kind, funny, or clear — but if the other person feels confused, hurt, or annoyed, that is the actual impact of your communication. And in NLP, we focus on the impact because that’s the only part we can learn from and change.
I was going to say with this pre supposition you develop a mind-set that makes you a more effective communicator and a more empathetic human but only when in the company of intelligent people!
Comments