NLP → NLP Lexicon

Notation of NLP / Representation system notation / sensory coding / strategy notation

Definition

Notation of NLP refers to a specific writing style in NLP that is used to represent perceptions, inner processes, and mental strategies in a structured way. The term "notation" is derived from the Latin notare ("to mark") and refers to a systematic symbolic language. The notation of NLP describes sensory perceptions (representation systems) and their modalities with symbolic abbreviations. The goal is to make the inner experiential processes – especially in strategy work – comprehensible, analyzable, and modelable. This symbolic language allows for the mapping of complex mental processes into a visual, logical form, similar to an "internal programming manual."

Origin and Theoretical Background

The notation was introduced in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder as part of their modeling work. It is based on the fundamental assumption that people perceive and store the world through five sensory channels (representation systems) – visually, auditorily, kinesthetically, olfactorily, and gustatorily. Important roots lie in cognitive psychology (e.g., Miller, Galanter & Pribram, 1960 – "Plans and the Structure of Behavior") as well as in the work on sensory coding in cybernetics and systems theory.

Application Examples

• Modeling strategies: A person describes how they decide whether to trust someone: Vi → Ad → Ki (They see a face → talk to themselves internally → feel trust).
• Dissolving phobias: Notation helps to trace the inner sensory channels through which the fear response occurs.
• Anchoring or reframing: Through precise sensory description (e.g., visual memory with auditory self-talk), resources can be better anchored.

Areas of Application

• Therapy: Clients can precisely describe how fears are internally constructed.
• Coaching: Analyzing and changing strategies of successful behavior patterns.
• Leadership training: Making decision strategies conscious and modeling them.
• Learning strategies: Recognizing sensory learning preferences.
• Conflict resolution: Understanding inner reaction patterns through notation of sensory channels.

Methods and Exercises

Typical notation:

Indices for specification:

Example: Ve → Aid → Kr → Someone sees an object → says something about it → feels a feeling.

Exercise suggestion – Strategy diagram:
A participant describes a decision-making process. The group notes this process step by step with notation and then optimizes it.

Synonyms or Related Terms

• Strategy notation
• Sensory coding
• Submodalities coding
• Representation systems (VAKOG)

Distinction: Submodalities describe the fine structure (e.g., bright/dark, loud/quiet). The notation focuses on the channel itself.

Scientific or Practical Benefit

• Practically:
  • Efficient reproduction of strategies of successful people
  • Making unconscious patterns conscious
  • Clarity in communication between trainer, coach, and client
• Scientifically:
  • Little academic application, but proven in NLP practice
  • Studies on mental simulation and embodiment demonstrate the benefits of sensory imagination

Criticism or Limitations

• Not everyone can easily translate inner processes into channels.
• Danger of reducing complex processes.
• Different spellings exist (standardization problem).

Literature and References

• Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1979). Frogs into Princes. Real People Press.
• Dilts, R. (1990). Changing Belief Systems with NLPMeta Publications.
• Andreas, S., & Faulkner, C. (1996). NLP – The New Technology of the Successful. Junfermann.
• Hall, L. M. (2001). NLP: Going metaMeta Publications.
• Dilts, R., Epstein, T., & Dilts-Vann, S. (1980s). Manuscripts on strategy modeling [unpublished].

Metaphor

The notation in NLP is like a musical score for the mind – it does not capture the melody, but how it is thought, felt, and remembered in sensory channels.

See also