Sleight of Mouth Volume II: How Words Change Worlds

At the foundation of Sleight of Mouth is the realization that words can create worlds. Language is a pivotal part of how we humans create our maps and models of reality, for better or for worse. Changing the words we use can shift the reality that we perceive, especially when those words relate to core beliefs.  

Sleight of Mouth patterns are "verbal reframes" which influence beliefs, and the mental maps from which beliefs have been formed. The word sleight means "crafty," "cunning," "artful" or "dexterous." Sleight of hand, for example, is a type of magic done by close-up card magicians. The verbal patterns of Sleight of Mouth have a similar "magical" quality because they can often create dramatic shifts in perception and the assumptions upon which particular perceptions are based. These same patterns can also be used for verbal trickery. 

More than any other time in human history, language is determining our reality. We are constantly bombarded with words and other information through the Internet and social media as well as traditional media channels. All of these sources are subject to things like fake news and "alternative facts," conspiracy theories, "filter bubbles" and "algorithmic editing." It is essential to have ways to know what is valid and helpful and what is potentially deceptive and harmful. This book is about how to do that.

Beliefs have a verbal structure that, when understood, allows them to be evaluated and updated. In this book, Sleight of Mouth creator Robert Dilts provides an in depth presentation of each of the fourteen Sleight of Mouth patterns, including examples of the patterns from well-known historical figures. He also shows how particular combinations of patterns have been applied to produce both individual and social change. Throughout the book, Dilts also identifies "red flags" that indicate potentially limiting beliefs and "thought viruses." The result is a fascinating journey that explores how words can change worlds.

Robert B. Dilts has been a developer, author, trainer and consultant in the field of Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP)-a model of human behavior, learning and communication- since its creation in 1975. Robert is also co- developer (with his brother John Dilts) of Success Factor Modeling and (with Stephen Gilligan) of the process of Generative Change. A long time student and colleague of both Grinder and Bandler, Mr. Dilts also studied personally with Milton H. Erickson, M.D. and Gregory Bateson.In addition to spearheading the applications of NLP to education, creativity, health, and leadership, his personal contributions to the field of NLP include much of the seminal work on the NLP techniques of Strategies and Belief Sys- tems, and the development of what has become known as Systemic NLP. Some of his techniques and models include: Reimprinting, the Disney Imagineering Strategy, Integration of Conflicting Beliefs, Sleight of Mouth Patterns, The Spell- ing Strategy, The Allergy Technique, Neuro-Logical Levels, The Belief Change Cycle, The SFM Circle of Success and the Six Steps of Generative Coaching (with Stephen Gilligan).Robert has authored or co-authored more than thirty books and fifty articles on a variety of topics relating to personal and professional development includ- ing From Coach to Awakener, NLP II: The Next Generation, Sleight of Mouth and, Generative Coaching and The Hero's Journey: A Voyage of Self Discovery (with Dr. Stephen Gilligan). Robert's recent book series on Success Factor Modeling iden- tifies key characteristics and capabilities shared by successful entrepreneurs, teams and ventures. His recent book The Power of Mindset Change (with Mickey Feher) presents a powerful methodology for assessing and shaping key aspects of mindset to achieve greater performance and satisfaction.For the past forty-five years, Robert has conducted trainings and workshops around the world for a range of organizations, institutes and government bod- ies. Past clients and sponsors include Apple Inc., Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Société Générale, The World Bank, Fiat, Alitalia, Telecom Italia, Lucasfilms Ltd., Ernst & Young, AT Kearney, EDHEC Business School and the State Railway of Italy.A co-founder of Dilts Strategy Group, Robert is also co-founder of NLP Uni- versity International, the Institute for Advanced Studies of Health (IASH) and the International Association for Generative Change (IAGC). Robert was also found- er and CEO of Behavioral Engineering, a company that developed computer software and hardware applications emphasizing behavioral change. Robert has a degree in Behavioral Technology from the University of California at Santa Cruz.<br /><br />Antonio Meza is an architect of vision, supporting entrepreneurs and leaders around the world to communicate complex ideas in a simple and fun way through illustrations, cartoons, or through structuring presentations, books, or websites.A native of Pachuca, Mexico, Antonio is a Master Practitioner and a Trainer of Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP). He has adegree in Communication Sciences from Fundación Universidad de las Américas Puebla, a Masters degree in Film Studies from Université de Paris 3 -Sorbonne Nouvelle, a diploma in Cinema Scriptwriting from the General Society of Writers in Mexico (SOGEM), and a diploma in Documentary Films from France's École Nationale des Métiers de l'Image et du Son (La Fémis). He is also certified in the three levels of the SFM system.He worked in Mexico as a freelance filmmaker and participated in animated cartoons startups before moving to France where he works as a consultant, coach, and trainer, specializing in storytelling, creative thinking and collective intelligence.Antonio is also an experienced public speaker member of Toastmasters International. In 2015 he was awarded best speaker at the International Speech Contest of District 59, covering South-West Europe, and reached the semifinals at international level.He has illustrated 16 books including the 3 volumes of the Success Factor Modeling series with Robert Dilts, and the Generative Coaching book series with Robert Dilts and Stephen Gilligan.He also uses his skills as a cartoonist and trainer to collaborate in seminars, conferences and brainstorming sessions as a graphic facilitator, and to produce animated videos to explain complex information in a clear and fun way.Antonio lives in Paris with his wife Susanne, his daughter Luz Carmen and his cats Ronja and Atreju.