Effective Communication With NLP & The Enneagram

Type Sixes are known as the loyalist. It is difficult to earn their trust because they are sceptics by nature. However, if you win their loyalty, they are excellent team players who will play their fullest part.

They have a need for trust and security because of their nature, and may sometimes appear overly suspicious or anxious. This boils down to their need for certainty.

Sixes belong to the thinking triad, though they are mostly out of touch with thinking. This means that they prefer to just follow instructions from an authority or leading figure. Most Sixes will latch on to a person, a religion, or an organisation for support and certainty. Sometimes however, they will go against the very same thing that they are attached to, just to show that they are not overly dependent.

Sixes have a compliant energy, and they are very compliant to the ideals of doing what is expected of them. That is why they like it when people view them as dependable and responsible. In essence, because they are such good team players, they usually do perform any task given to them well.

Typically, Sixes like to find jobs that offer security. They also prepare for tasks like presentation and speeches very well. The reason for this is because Sixes have a fear that things will go wrong, so they try to be as prepared as possible. They are good at spotting potential problems, and can offer valuable suggestions in terms of preparation and planning.

Do you think you are a Type Six? Or do you already know that you are a Type Six? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

Happen to come across this video on Youtube while I was looking for videos for my communication training. Think it’s pretty useful stuff. Here’s what is mentioned in the description of the video:

“Essential skills for all business people – how to spot when someone is lying and more! In this video, Barry from Management Consultancy International outlines how to ensure that you get the most from your face-to-face interactions by reading the vast amount of information in body language. Some of these revealing clues are intentional by the speaker, whilst some are completely unintentional.”

Take a look at the video and tell us what you think =)

Type Fives are known as the observer, or the investigator. They have a need to understand the world, and as a result, are usually very perceptive and analytical people. Type Fives are often regarded as the thinker of the Enneagram, the ones who engage their minds the most.

This is why they belong to the thinking triad, and have over expressed thinking. What it means is that Type Fives have a tendency to think too much, or retreat into their minds to think through things.

They have withdrawn energies and are perfectly comfortable away from people and into their own private space, where they can withdraw into their thoughts. They are also very rational and logical people, able to analyse things with ease and provide logical answers.

Type Fives also tend to read a lot, be it books, or newspapers, or even the internet. This is because they think that knowledge is power, and acquiring as much knowledge as possible will keep them safe. As a result of all those thinking and self talk, Type Fives are usually private and solitary by nature.

Do you think you are a Type Five? Or do you already know that you are a Type Five? What do you think about the accuracy of this short description?

Few days back, I was sharing with some friends on how our non verbal communication is actually more important than our verbal communication. One of them asked if I ignore the non verbal part and just focus on improving verbal communication, which three tips would I give.

Here’s what I told them:

1. Pace the other party

I would like to say speak slowly. However, the word pacing seems to be a more appropriate word in this situation. The reason for this is because not everyone would like a person who speaks slowly. If you are speaking to a kinesthetic person, it is likely he or she would prefer to slow down, since they occasionally access their feelings during a conversation. However, a visual person is likely to speak faster, since they think in images.

So pace yourself according to the other party, that is taking responsibility for the way you communicate, which is a crucial attitude in order to become an effective communicator.

2. Speak Clearly and Audibly

I don’t know about you guys, but I find it extremely difficult to understand people who mumble. The volume you speak in is very important too. I personally know of people who like to speak softly so that others will have to lean forward to hear them, thus creating the “attention” factor.

Well, there are better and more effective ways to get the attention of others. Match your volume to the environment you are in, and speak clearly. You’ll receive the correct attention in this manner.

3. Offer Compliments

Everyone loves compliments, and it doesn’t hurt to be more generous with yours. Of course, there is a difference between giving sincere compliments and outrightly faking it because you want others to like you. Show appreciation towards others by giving sincere compliments and you’ll find yourself building stronger rapport with people.

There you go, three tips on improving communication verbally. What do you think about them? Do you have any important verbal communication tips of your own?

Having said that, I must still add that one of the most important communication skills is not in talking, but listening. It doesn’t help if you have strong verbal communication skills, and you can’t listen. I’ll post some tips on active listening soon, so stay tuned!

Very often, we are so caught up with the urgent stuff in life and we seek instant gratification for the things we do. As a result, we neglect to do the important things that will make a difference for ourselves in the long run.

Going for a run may not give instant results. However, do it on a regular basis and the rewards may slowly appear. Reading a book may not provide instant success. However, the knowledge that you learn and apply may eventually add greater value to your life, and perhaps even to the people around you.

So take a moment and ponder about it. What will you do today, that will matter tomorrow or in the long run?