2023-06-17

Milton Model

What is Milton Model

The Milton Model refers to the use of language developed by the renowned therapist, Milton Erickson, to directly influence the subconscious of others. Through this technique, Erickson constructed words that would cause the listener to unconsciously agree, thereby successfully changing people's behavior.

The key feature of this model is its ability to create change in the subconscious of others, allowing people to accept changes without feeling resistance. This powerful communication skill is still used in the field of psychotherapy today.

Useful Patterns in the Milton Model

To maximize its effectiveness, the Milton Model can employ specific patterns. Below are 14 particularly useful patterns.

Presupposition

Presuppositions are a way of infusing your desired message into a conversation or communication. They allow for the subtle introduction of ideas, helping to permeate the unconscious mind of the listener.

For example:

You look happier than usual today!

By saying "than usual", the listener also receives the message that they always have a pleasant demeanor. This positively impacts their self-perception and mood.

Mind Reading

Mind reading is a pattern in which you speak as if you understand what the other person is thinking.

For example, in a business context, you might say:

I believe you're eager to streamline your processes while also reducing costs.

Starting a conversation by appearing to understand the other person's thoughts can make them more receptive to your talk.

Omission of Subject

By not including a subject and conveying a message that is not clear from whom the message is coming from, the other party will be inclined to deny the message because they do not know who is saying it.

Cause and Effect

Cause-and-effect statements can make your message easier to accept. By giving a reason for a claim leading to an outcome, the listener finds it easier to digest.

Launching this initiative will result in cost-cutting and will help retain our employees.

Equating Dissimilar Things

Equating dissimilar things involves attributing a new meaning to your message, making it easier for the listener to accept.

For instance,

Experiencing failure is a sign of steps taken towards success.

Universal Quantifiers

Using universal quantifiers like "everyone", "all", and "always" can make your message more widely applicable, easing acceptance by the listener.

Verbs and Nouns in Abstract

Using abstract words such as "succeed" or "grow" allows the listener to apply the message to their own situation more easily.

Modal operators like "can" or "might" make it more difficult for the listener to refute your suggestions.

Quotation

Quoting the words of others can make your message less likely to be met with negative emotions, and thus easier to accept.

For example,

John said that you are very competent.

Negative Commands

Negative commands can induce the listener to imagine the prohibited action, thereby indirectly encouraging them to consider it.

For example,

Please don't buy this product just yet.

This could make a potential customer imagine purchasing the product, thereby increasing their desire to buy.

Embedded Commands

Embedded commands subtly instruct the listener to undertake certain actions without directly issuing an order.

In an interaction with a subordinate, you might say,

I'm looking forward to seeing how much you'll grow.

This indirectly conveys the command "grow".

Embedded Questions

Embedded questions are a way of conveying your desires in the form of a question.

In a work context, you might ask,

When do you think you'll be able to create a high-quality proposal like last time?

This subtly encourages the production of a high-quality proposal.

Analog Marking

Analog marking involves using non-verbal behaviors to emphasize or highlight your message.

For example, when conveying an important message in a conversation, you might intensify your eye contact or use exaggerated gestures to underscore your point.