Shifting Perceptual Positions Script (Example) ​
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Shifting Perceptual Positions Coaching Script ​
(A powerful NLP technique to help clients gain new insights by seeing a situation from different perspectives.)
Objective: ​
This exercise helps clients shift their perspective by experiencing a situation from three different viewpoints:
- First Position (Self) – Experiencing the situation from their own perspective.
- Second Position (Other Person) – Seeing the situation through the eyes of another person.
- Third Position (Observer) – Viewing the situation as a neutral, outside observer.
This is particularly useful for resolving conflicts, improving relationships, and gaining clarity on emotional situations.
Step 1: Identify the Situation ​
Coach:
"Let’s explore a situation where you feel stuck, conflicted, or unsure how to move forward. It could be a difficult conversation, a conflict with someone, or a challenging decision."
(Let the client choose a specific situation.)
"To make this process most effective, visualize this as clearly as possible—where are you? Who else is involved? What’s happening?"
(Pause while the client mentally steps into the situation.)
Step 2: First Position – Self (Your Own Perspective) ​
Coach:
"I want you to fully step into this moment as if it’s happening now. Imagine looking through your own eyes and experiencing the situation as yourself."
- What are you feeling?
- What are you thinking?
- What do you believe about the situation?
- What do you want from this interaction?
(Encourage the client to describe their experience in detail.)
"Take a deep breath and notice everything—your emotions, thoughts, and body language. When you're ready, step out of this perspective."
Step 3: Second Position – Other Person’s Perspective ​
Coach:
"Now, let’s shift perspectives. Imagine stepping into the other person’s shoes—becoming them for a moment."
"Take their posture, feel their emotions, and see the world through their eyes."
- What do they see, hear, and feel in this situation?
- What do they want?
- What might they be thinking or believing about you?
- What emotions might they be experiencing?
- How does the situation look from their perspective?
(Pause and allow the client to describe this perspective.)
"What insights are you gaining from seeing the situation this way?"
(Acknowledge their response, then guide them back to a neutral state before moving to the next position.)
Step 4: Third Position – Neutral Observer ​
Coach:
"Now, imagine you are an uninvolved observer, watching this interaction from a distance. You are a completely neutral party, watching two people (yourself and the other person) interact."
"Take a step back, as if watching a movie or seeing two actors on a stage. Observe without emotion or judgment."
- What do you notice about both people?
- How do they interact?
- What patterns or dynamics stand out?
- What advice would you give to both parties from this neutral perspective?
(Let the client process and share their insights.)
"What stands out most from this outside viewpoint?"
Step 5: Integrate the Perspectives ​
Coach:
"Now that you've seen the situation from all three perspectives, let’s bring these insights together."
- From your own perspective, what did you learn?
- From the other person’s perspective, what do you now understand that you didn’t before?
- From the observer's perspective, what advice or new action steps do you see?
"How does this new understanding change the way you feel about the situation?"
Step 6: Action Plan ​
Coach:
"Based on these insights, what action will you take moving forward?"
(Help the client develop a clear and constructive plan.)
"How will you approach this situation differently next time?"
(Encourage them to apply their new perspective in real life.)
Final Notes: ​
âś” Ideal for conflict resolution, improving communication, and gaining new insights into challenging situations.
âś” Encourage deep visualization for the best results.
âś” Use neutral, open-ended questions to guide the client to new realizations.