NLP Eye Movements: How To Use Eye Movement Patterns In Communication

Jordan Pearce
6 min readDec 22, 2022

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Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a powerful tool that can help you better understand and communicate with others. NLP eye movements are a key part of this process, as they can provide insight into how a person is thinking, feeling, and processing information. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what NLP eye movements are, how to read and interpret them, and how to use them in communication.

What Are NLP Eye Movements?

NLP eye movements involve the eyes rapidly moving from left to right or from top to bottom, often in a jerky pattern. This type of eye movement is associated with the way our brains process information and how we make sense of the world around us. NLP practitioners believe that by paying attention to these patterns, they can gain insight into how someone is thinking and feeling.

The different types of NLP eye movements can be divided into two main categories: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal movements involve the eyes moving left to right, while vertical movements involve the eyes moving up and down. Depending on the context, each type of eye movement has a different meaning.

For example, horizontal eye movements are often associated with a person’s internal thought processes, while vertical eye movements are associated with their external focus. Additionally, different types of eye movements can be associated with particular topics or emotions, such as fear, joy, or anger.

How To Read NLP Eye Movements

Reading NLP eye movements is not an exact science. It requires practice and careful observation of the person’s body language and facial expressions, in addition to the actual eye movements. To get started, it’s important to pay attention to the direction and speed of the eye movements. Generally speaking, faster movements indicate that the person is thinking quickly, while slower movements indicate they are processing information more slowly.

It’s also important to note the duration of the eye movements. Longer eye movements are often associated with deeper thought processes, while shorter eye movements indicate a more superficial level of thinking. Additionally, you should note the frequency of the eye movements. If the person is making frequent eye movements, it usually indicates that they are focusing their attention on a particular topic.

NLP Eye Accessing Cues

NLP practitioners also use the term “eye accessing cues” to describe the various types of eye movements. The most common types of accessing cues are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual cues involve looking up and to the left or right, and are often associated with accessing visual memories or images. Auditory cues involve looking up and to the left or right, and are associated with accessing auditory information, such as sounds or verbal information. Kinesthetic cues involve looking down and to the left or right, and are associated with accessing physical sensations or emotions.

In addition to the accessing cues, NLP practitioners also use the terms “temporal cues” and “spatial cues” to describe the direction of the eye movements. Temporal cues involve looking up and to the left or right, and are associated with accessing past memories or experiences. Spatial cues involve looking up and to the left or right, and are associated with accessing future possibilities or planning.

How To Interpret NLP Eye Movements

Interpreting NLP eye movements is a skill that takes time to develop. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind when trying to make sense of someone’s eye movements. First, it’s important to remember that eye movements are just one part of the overall communication process. In order to accurately interpret NLP eye movements, you need to take into account the person’s facial expressions, body language, and verbal communication.

Second, it’s important to pay attention to the direction and speed of the eye movements. Different directions and speeds can indicate different types of thought processes or emotions. Third, it’s important to note the duration and frequency of the eye movements. Longer, more frequent eye movements indicate deeper thought processes, while shorter, less frequent eye movements indicate more superficial thinking.

Finally, it’s important to pay attention to the accessing cues and temporal or spatial cues. These can provide insight into a person’s thought processes or emotions. For example, a person who is accessing visual information is likely thinking about something they have seen or experienced.

How To Use NLP Eye Movements In Communication

Once you have a better understanding of NLP eye movements, you can use this knowledge to improve your communication skills. For example, if you notice that the person you are talking to is making a lot of visual accessing cues, then you can ask them questions about things they have seen or experienced. This can help to create a more engaging conversation and can help you better understand the person’s thoughts and feelings.

In addition, you can use NLP eye movements to gauge how the person is responding to your communication. If the person’s eye movements become faster or more frequent, then this can indicate that they are engaging with your communication and are interested in the topic. On the other hand, if the person’s eye movements become slower or less frequent, then this can indicate that they are not interested or are not understanding what you are saying.

Tips For Interpreting NLP Eye Movements

Interpreting NLP eye movements can be difficult, but here are a few tips that can help you get started:

• Pay attention to the direction and speed of the eye movements.

• Note the duration and frequency of the eye movements.

• Take into account the person’s facial expressions and body language.

• Pay attention to the accessing cues and temporal or spatial cues.

• Ask questions about things the person has seen or experienced.

• Gauge the person’s response to your communication.

By following these tips, you can begin to get a better understanding of how a person is thinking and feeling.

How To Use NLP Eye Movements In Business

NLP eye movements can also be used in a business setting. For example, if you are negotiating with someone, you can use their eye movements to gauge their interest in the topic or to determine if they are understanding what you are saying. Additionally, you can use the eye movements to assess the person’s emotional state and better understand their needs and desires.

By paying attention to the person’s eye movements, you can gain valuable insight into how the person is thinking and feeling. This can help you to adjust your communication accordingly and increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

NLP Eye Movements And Emotions

NLP eye movements can also provide insight into a person’s emotional state. For example, if a person is making more frequent and faster eye movements, this can indicate that they are excited or eager to talk about a particular topic. On the other hand, if the person is making slower and less frequent eye movements, this can indicate that they are feeling bored or uninterested.

By paying attention to the person’s eye movements, you can get a better understanding of their emotional state and adjust your communication accordingly. For example, if the person is feeling bored, you can try to engage them by asking questions or providing more information.

NLP Eye Movements And Negotiations

NLP eye movements can also be used in negotiations. By paying attention to the eye movements, you can gain insight into how the person is feeling and thinking. For example, if the person is making faster and more frequent eye movements, this can indicate that they are feeling excited or enthusiastic about the topic. On the other hand, if the person is making slower and less frequent eye movements, this can indicate that they are not interested or are not understanding what you are saying.

In addition, you can use the person’s eye movements to assess their level of agreement or disagreement with your ideas. If the person’s eye movements become more frequent and faster, then this can indicate that they are in agreement with you. On the other hand, if the person’s eye movements become slower and less frequent, then this can indicate that they are in disagreement with you.

Conclusion

NLP eye movements are a powerful tool that can help you better understand and communicate with others. By paying attention to the direction, speed, duration, and frequency of the eye movements, you can get a better understanding of the person’s thought processes and emotions. Additionally, you can use NLP eye movements to assess the person’s response to your communication and to gain insight into their level of agreement or disagreement. With practice, you can learn to use NLP eye movements to improve your communication skills and increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

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