The quotes pattern in the Milton Model involves embedding a suggestion within a direct or indirect quote from another person. When framed as something someone else has said, the suggestion bypasses resistance and is more likely to influence the unconscious mind. This technique can also be used subtly to give compliments or even deliver criticisms without triggering immediate awareness.
Reducing Resistance in Communication
This pattern is especially useful for avoiding resistance, as people are less likely to argue with something that appears to come from an external source. Other effective methods for reducing resistance include tag questions and conversational postulates.
As one of my NLP instructors used to say, “Resistance is often the biggest challenge when guiding someone into a deep trance.”
Examples of the Quotes Pattern
- Reframing Control: “My father always reminded me, ‘You don’t have to be in control all the time—it’s okay to just relax.’”
- Social Influence: “My friends often tell me I should loosen up and enjoy myself when I go out.”
- Compliments in Disguise: “I met someone this morning who said, ‘You look fantastic today.’”
- Subtle Insults: “I still remember my third-grade teacher telling me, ‘You’ll never amount to anything.’”
- Unexpected Feedback: “A guy in another car rolled down his window and asked, ‘What exactly are you doing?’”
- Authority Influence: “Experts everywhere are saying, ‘You really need to try this new gadget.’”
By using the quotes pattern strategically, you can communicate suggestions in a way that feels natural and less confrontational, allowing ideas to be more readily accepted.
