Sleight of Mouth: Magic of Language for Power Persuasion

Unpacking the Belief

How do you know that? What does this mean?

What makes it that way? How does it affect your life?

Adapted from “The Users Guide to Sleight of Mouth" by Doug O'Brien (2010) http://coachingtools.me
Sleight of Mouth Patterns

1. Intention: What could be the positive intention?

2. Redefine: Use words that are similar but may infer something different.

3. Consequences: Focus a consequence that leads to challenging the belief.

4. Chunk down: Look at a specific element that challenges the belief.

5. Chunk Up: Generalize in order to change the relationship defined by the belief.

6.Counter Example: Find an exception that challenges the generalization defined by

the belief.

7.Metaphor/Analogy: Use an analogy or metaphor that challenges the

generalization defined by the belief.

8. Apply to Self: Use key aspects of the belief to challenge the belief.

9.Another Outcome: Propose a different outcome that challenges the relevancy of

the belief.

10. Hierarchy of Criteria: Re-assess the belief based on a more important

criterion.

11.Change Frame Size: Re-evaluate the implication of the belief in the context of a
longer (or shorter) time frame, a larger number of people (or from an individual point
of view) or a bigger or smaller perspective.

12.Meta Frame: Challenge the basis for the belief. E.g. formulate a belief as to the
origin of the belief.

13.Model of the World: Look at the belief from a different perspective (model of the
world).

14.Reality Strategy: Re-assess the belief based on the fact that beliefs are based on
specific perceptions.

Adapted from “The Users Guide to Sleight of Mouth" by Doug O'Brien (2010) http://coachingtools.me
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Adapted from “The Users Guide to Sleight of Mouth" by Doug O'Brien (2010) http://coachingtools.me
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Adapted from “The Users Guide to Sleight of Mouth" by Doug O'Brien (2010) http://coachingtools.me