Whether you have studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming or Behavioural Economics, or psychology, in general, you have probably come across reframing and you will no doubt know that it is a very powerful tool in all direct, one to one and digital communications.
But if you haven’t come across it here is a brief description of what it is an example of how it can be used. You can then play around with it until it becomes something that is just naturally part of who you are, how you interact with people and how you think through problems.
What is a Frame?
Consider it this way. A literal frame is a border, usually around a picture that helps to set out how you see the image within. Depending upon the frame chosen can change the way that image is interpreted and understood. It is also used to draw focus on a particular image and way of looking at the image the artist or collector wants you to see. So that they can aid you in seeing it the way they do.
Another person might own a copy of exactly the same image but chose a completely different frame and place for it, because they see it differently.
In NLP we will talk about people maps of reality. How we all filter, distort and generalise what we see based on these maps that support our worldview.
This worldview will, in part, define our frames of reference on situations, experiences and decisions in life.
What is reframing?
Well going back to the literal analogy. If we were to reframe the picture and hang it somewhere else we and others might start to see things differently.
In behavioural economics and in neurolinguistics we talk about reframing peoples point of view to help them make better decisions, affect behavioural change or to get them to see things differently.
But how do you reframe a point of view?
Well first off you need to understand everyone's point of view and reference point. So unlike in a lot of debate we see in the world today we need to learn to listen and be flexible. Active listening is a skill we will look at in future articles.
In NLP we say that those with the most flexibility control the outcome. By that we mean those who can let the conversation develop and go in several different directions including ones where we concede on some points will mean be can ultimately get the desired result. If we are too fixed and can not see it from the other person's point of view then we have less ability and chance of persuading them differently.
Also by developing NLP skills and listening to people, we can start to see the fundamental building blocks of someones thought and language patterns. If we can then reframe our argument in their language patterns we have more chance of triggering a new way of looking at things.
In the below clip from before the flood, the former president of the United States shows great skill in this when he addresses the issue of climate change in a language that climate change deniers might identify with, that of security and economy. This shows great skill in seeing both sides and knowing what would appeal to those that might be of an opposing view.
In reframing and reframing perspective is everything. As the below Ted Talk by
Rory Sutherland demonstrates. If we can change or reframe peoples perspectives we can bring not only better results but give them a feeling of satisfaction also.
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