Best known as a way to embed commands into communication, analogical marking means that a portion of the communication is “marked” for greater attention by the unconscious. This marking is typically done through a change in inflection, tempo, body language, or volume. Bandler and Grinder observed this in the hypnotic work of Milton Erickson. Another use is priming.  Priming is similar to embedded messages, but it is more general and vague in the sense that it helps to elicit a state or establish familiarity with something in order to increase the odds that the person will choose it or make choices in a particular direction. For example, secure base priming improves a person’s ability to react in a less defensive or aggressive manner.

Step 1: Choose a situation in which to use analogical marking. #

Select a typical situation in which you want to communicate more effectively and in which embedded messages or priming could be helpful.

Step 2: Choose what you will communicate with this approach. #

Write down a number of things that you would like to communicate, but that might arouse inappropriate defenses. Keep accumulating these until you have several that you feel can be converted into embedded messages. Make sure that your approach is ethical. You must not attempt to manipulate a person in a manner that is not in their best interest.

Step 3: Plan your communication. #

Create sentences that could be normal-sounding parts of your communication with this person, and that include your embedded commands or priming words or phrases. If necessary, review material on Milton Erickson’s use of analogical marking.

Step 4: Practice the approach. #

Before using this approach, practice delivering these communications. Try them with several different types of analogical marking, including changing your inflection, tempo, body language, and volume.

Step 5: Apply the approach. #

Once you feel that this can be done in a way that is very natural, use this approach in the current situation.

Step 6: Assess the results. #

Notice how the person responds. Were there any awkward moments or looks? Does the person respond in any way that suggests your approach was helpful?

Step 7: Continue to refine and practice your use of analogical marking until you are able to do it without preparing in advance. #

Many people discover that they do it without even realizing it.