NLP books. The following NLP books are our recommended reading for anyone starting to want to   know more about NLP.  

 NLP Workbook: A Practical Guide to Achieving the Results You Want by Joseph O'Connor

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is based on the idea that the human mind is a sort of computer - our verbal and body language are the programmes which allow us to change our own thoughts and influence other people e.g. using body language and speech patterns to create instant rapport with someone else. We already use such techniques on a sub-conscious level - NLP simply helps us crystallize what we already know. This workbook is a basic, at-home NLP course, providing easy-to-follow exercises and reflections to which the reader can return time and again. It addresses topics such as How to Change Emotional State, The Power of Language and Getting Results, and can be applied to all kinds of different areas e.g. business, sport, health. The NLP workbook is designed to be a basic manual for the beginner in NLP, and also a clear and easy reference manual for practitioners and trainers

Introducing NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming by Joseph O'Connor and John Seymour

Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is one of the fastest growing developments in applied psychology. This handbook describes in simple terms what gifted people do differently, and enables the reader to learn these patterns of excellence. This approach gives the practical skills used by outstanding communicators. Excellent communication is the basis of creating excellent results. The purpose of NLP is to increase personal choice - it provides powerful and elegant tolls for change in a changing world. NLP skills are proving invaluable for personal development and counseling, education and business. This book includes: how to create rapport with others; influencing skills; understanding and using body language; how to think about and achieve the results the reader wants; the art of adding key questions; effective meetings, negotiations and selling; accelerated learning strategies; how to run one's nervous system. Joseph O'Connor is the author of "Not Pulling Strings" and the video "Listening Skills in Music". This book won the 1991 prize for the best book on hypnotherapy and related topics from the British Council of Hypnotist Examiners.

The NLP Coach by Wendy Jago and Ian McDermott

Excellent NLP book, which includes a focus on coaching - just don't expect anything new!

Richard Bandler and John Grinder Books

Frogs into Princes by Richard Bandler and John Grinder

This work covers Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), a model of human experience and communication. Using the principles of NLP, the book asserts that it is possible to describe any human activity in a detailed way that allows the reader to make many changes quickly and easily. It claims that using the techniques of NLP one can learn to: cure phobias and other unpleasant feeling responses; help children and adults with "learning disabilities" overcome these limitations; eliminate unwanted habits, eg. smoking, drinking, over-eating and insomnia; and make changes in the interactions of couples, families and organizations so that they function in ways that are more satisfying and productive.

Trance-formations by Richard Bandler and John Grinder

Really good book on hypnosis!! - Highly recommended

The Structure of Magic 1: a Book About Language and Therapy by Richard Bandler and John Grinder

This book demands a lot of understanding, but will be very rewarding when you study it and put it in context with all the rest of the stuff you really understand about NLP... In summary, not a good first book to read on the topic - but a cracker to get down to the bedrock, when you get fed up with

The Structure of Magic II by Richard Bandler and John Grinder

Reviewer: A reader from Milan, Italy What you REALLY have to know before reading this book is what NLP is. It's an AMAZING book for those like me who want to know what's "behind" the magis of NLP shown in the previous book. It's a little difficult to manage for those who do not know the basis, but I think you can manage it anyway! Great content, Great author, Great (as always) style.

Time for a Change by Richard Bandler

Reviewer: A reader from London This book is fantastic... it is extremely easy to read, understand and even use... He has written it in the way he teaches. It is a lot of fun to read, things that i used to find confusing suddenly become clear... didn't it? A must buy!

Using Your Brain - for a CHANGE

Reviewer: adamkhan@aol.com from Bellevue, WA USA Bandler is an innovator and an original thinker in the field of psychology. This book is a transcript of Bandler live in front of an audience, cutting up and cracking jokes as he is prone to do, talking about some of his unique and often practical views on how you can change your feelings, thoughts and behavior. Change is often easier than you think if you use the right method  

Insider's Guide to Sub-modalities by Richard Bandler and Will MacDonald

Reviewer: A reader from England Despite its relatively small size (just 116 pages) this is undoubtedly one of the KEY texts for anyone wanting an in depth understanding of NLP. Edited by the late, great Will MacDonald, the book includes half a dozen lengthy transcripts of sessions featuring both Will and Richard Bandler. There are full instructions for 20 practical exercises. There is a seven page guide to eliciting a person's submodalities in a given situation (a basic and vital part of modelling) and lists of typical submodality-related phrases. And everything is wrapped up in clear and detailed explanations of how to use the material. A brilliant book, both as a guide and as a reference book

Magic in Action by Richard Bandler

Transcripts of Richard helping clients make changes. A classic but maybe not for beginners?

Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Shows readers how to clarify their personal values, resolve internal conflicts, master emotions, and overcome debilitating habits.

NLP: the New Technology of Achievement by Steve Andreas (editor)

Reveals how to use the techniques of neurolinguistic programming to achieve success in business and life.

Other recommended books

Words That Change Minds: Mastering the Language of Influence by Shelle Rose Charvet

Based on Language and Behaviour Profile (LAB Profile) - a tool which makes possible the prediction of a person's language in everyday conversation and how they will behave in a given situation - this text is for professionals who need to understand and influence behaviour in order to succeed

The Art of Persuasive Communication by Richard Storey

Revealing the secrets of successful persuaders, this text sets out the principles governing the influencing process and looks at the range of situations in which they can be applied. Identifying four main personality types, the author shows which communication styles work best for each. With examples, exercises and checklists, and separate chapters on writing, telephoning and presentation, the book provides a comprehensive guide to persuading people to do what you want them to

Change: Principles of Problem Formation and Problem Resolution

Three prominent American therapists detail their theories and strategies for promoting human change and dealing with related psychological problems

Core Transformation by Connirae Andreas et al

Offering techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, discovered and developed by Connirae Andreas, this title aims to provide the reader with ways to facilitate automatic, natural personal change. With roots in the approaches of Grinder and Bandler, advice is given in ten steps to more satisfying relationships, profound inner states of peace and a sense of oneness.

Develop Your NLP Skills (Creating Success) by Andrew Bradbury

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers an in-depth understanding of what really happens when we communicate, and the means to use that knowledge in maximizing the effectiveness of interpersonal transactions. This manual demonstrates that a person with a grasp of the basics of NLP can expect a significant improvement in every aspect of their business and social lives. It examines: setting effective goals; building good quality relationships; replacing conflict with co-operation; developing greater flexibility to respond to one's environment; and managing mental activities for greater self-management. There are mini case studies and action points

Influencing with Integrity: Management Skills for Communication and Negotiation by Genie Z. Laborde

Reviewer: A reader from Surrey, UK This book contains a number of powerful and exciting tools for understanding not only your internal motivations and drivers, but also those of others. Practical suggestions and pointers are given to help one develop the techniques described in the book. You will need to read and re-read this book in order to effectively absorb the mass of information contained therein - multiple cross-references can be seen in the text. There are several exercises seen throughout the book, so you can get a feel for the way that the influencing techniques work.

Maps, Models and the Structure of Reality: NLP Technology in Psychotherapy by Kim Kostere, Linda Malatesta

Metaphors in Mind: Transformation Through Symbolic Modelling by James Lawley and Penny Tompkins

Ernest Rossi, Ph.D, Author of "Dreams, Consciousness and; Spirit" and "The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing" Tompkins and Lawley have written a book that provides people with a tool for profound analysis and insight. The use of metaphors as a means of evaluating how you order your world, your relationships, your occupation, and interpret the experiences of your life is invaluable. This book should be read by everyone who has an interest in expanding their awareness of why they say the things they do, and discovering how the 'contents' of their lives are sources of empowerment

NLP at Work: The Difference That Makes a Difference in Business (People Skills for Professionals) by Sue Knight

From the Author A jargon free introduction to NLP for you and your work My work was transformed when I began to apply the thinking and skills that constitute NLP. I use it for myself and for the consultancy and training work that I do..... I wanted to make NLP accessible to people in business without all the jargon that sometimes accompanies this subject. This book is meant as a comprehensive introduction to how NLP can be used in this way by starting with yourself and then exploring how by the changes that you make to yourself you influence everyone around you. You will find many different things under the banner of NLP - the emphasis depends on the principles of the person who is presenting it. One of my key principles is that the only person in the world that we can change is ourselves and this book is built on that concept. I wrote it as a book that can be dipped into. There is a toolkit that you can work through if you wish and I have included thought provokers at the end of every chapter. I hope that you enjoy it and find it valuable to you personally and to your work. If it does that then it has fulfilled my wishes for it. If you have read the book then I would love your feedback

Presenting Magically: Transforming Your Stage Presence with NLP By David Shephard and Tad James

Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned professional, "Presenting Magically" will provide you with masterful tips and techniques to transform your presenting skills. Uncovering the secrets of the world’s top presenters, and explaining the beliefs and attitudes of master presenters, this book will teach you to connect with your audience; structure your language; handle hecklers; use metaphor; own the stage; structure presentations to fit everyone’s learning style; grab the audience’s attention - and keep it.

Sleight of Mouth by Robert Dilts

An excellent and well written book from the person who invented the Sleight of Mouth patterns.They are dealt with in a grouped and logical way. Robert also includes illustrative material from his seminars. This is not a book for beginners, but for readers with some knowledge of NLP.On reading this book, you will have an excellent understanding of the patterns and be in a position to apply and use them.

Also see NLP Books on our PPI Business NLP site