Representation System

Representation system is a concept in Neurolinguistic programming (NLP), which is a collection of models and methods regarding how the human mind processes and stores information. The central idea of this concept is that experience is represented in the mind in sensorial terms, i.e. in terms of the five senses: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory

Visual: The sense of sight, mental imagery, and spatial awareness belongs to this category. People who prefer visual input tend to use words like “see”, “look”, “picture”, “imagine”, “clear”, “bright”, etc. You can connect with them by using visual language, creating vivid images in their mind, using gestures and eye contact, and showing them visual aids or examples.
Auditory: The sense of sound, speech, dialogue, and white noise belongs to this category. People who prefer auditory input tend to use words like “hear”, “listen”, “sound”, “say”, “talk”, “voice”, etc. You can connect with them by using auditory language, speaking clearly and with variation, using tone and pitch, asking questions and listening actively, and using sounds or music to enhance your message.
Kinesthetic: The sense of touch, feelings, emotions, and bodily sensations belongs to this category. People who prefer kinesthetic input tend to use words like “feel”, “touch”, “hold”, “move”, “warm”, “cold”, etc. You can connect with them by using kinesthetic language, expressing your emotions and empathy, using physical contact or movement, giving them something to touch or hold, and creating a comfortable environment for them.
Olfactory: The sense of smell and aroma belongs to this category. People who prefer olfactory input tend to use words like “smell”, “scent”, “aroma”, “fragrance”, etc. You can connect with them by using olfactory language, describing smells or aromas vividly, using scented products or candles, and avoiding unpleasant odors or smells.
Gustatory: The sense of taste and flavor belongs to this category. People who prefer gustatory input tend to use words like “taste”, “flavor”, “sweet”, “sour”, etc. You can connect with them by using gustatory language, describing tastes or flavors vividly, offering them something to eat or drink, and avoiding unpleasant tastes or flavors.

Looking forward to hearing from you - how do you use these senses to connect with others? Click here

Most commonly used words

Visual: see, look, view, picture, image, color, bright, clear, focus, show, watch, observe, notice, illustrate, display, vision, scene, sight, perspective, etc.
Auditory: hear, listen, sound, voice, tone, loud, quiet, music, harmony, noise, speak, say, tell, ask, answer, talk, chat, whisper, shout, silence, etc.
Kinesthetic: feel, touch, move, action, gesture, hold, warm, cold, smooth, rough, hard, soft, heavy, light, pain, pleasure, comfortable, uncomfortable, relax, tense, etc.
Olfactory: smell, scent, aroma, fragrance, odor, nose, sniff, breathe, inhale, exhale, fresh, stale, sweet, sour, etc.
Gustatory: taste, flavor, sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, savory, delicious, disgusting, mouth, tongue, teeth, bite, chew, swallow, sip, drink, eat, etc.

These words can be used to describe both external and internal sensations.

I saw a beautiful sunset yesterday. (visual external)
I can picture your face in my mind. (visual internal)
I heard a loud noise outside. (auditory external)
I can hear your voice in my head. (auditory internal)
I felt a gentle breeze on my skin. (kinesthetic external)
I feel happy when I think of you. (kinesthetic internal)
I smelled a fresh rose in the garden. (olfactory external)
I can smell the cookies baking in the oven. (olfactory internal)
I tasted a delicious cake at the party. (gustatory external)
I can taste the lemon in my mouth. (gustatory internal)

Use representation systems to improve your communication skills

Representation systems are the ways we perceive and process information through our five senses, or modalities. By paying attention to the words and expressions that people use, you can identify their preferred modality and use it to communicate with them more effectively. You can also use a variety of modalities, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory, to appeal to different preferences and learning styles.

To improve your communication skills, you also need to be aware of your non-verbal communication and how it affects your verbal communication. You can use appropriate body language to reinforce your message and show confidence and interest. Moreover, you need to practice and prepare your communication in advance, whether it is a presentation, a negotiation, a performance review, or a casual conversation. You can research your topic, outline your main points, anticipate questions or objections, and rehearse your delivery.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse