So what exactly are predicates? These are the systems in which we each individually experience the world. Maybe you’ve heard of being a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner before, but there’s a little more that goes into it than that.
By understanding each predicate, knowing which one you resonate with the most, and learning to recognize them in other people you can build stronger rapport with peers, clients, family and your intimate partner.
How to spot a visual learner
Visual learners can sometimes be seen as prodigies. These are the people who can see something done once or twice and repeat it with no problem and memorize by seeing pictures. They like to learn by watching others and using visual support like graphs and drawings. These individuals are often less distracted by noise and can get easily bored when listening to long verbal instructions. They tend to sit tall and forward in their chairs with their eyes up.
Visual learners tend to use phrases such as:
“I see your point.”
“I can imagine what you mean.”
How to spot an auditory learner
Auditory learners learn by listening. They love music but can also be easily distracted by noise, unlike visual learners. They can sometimes be seen as sensitive due to their acute awareness to words and tone of voice. These individuals memorize things sequentially and can effortlessly repeat something back to you. Auditory learners love to be told how they’re doing.
Auditory learners tend to use phrases such as:
“I hear what you’re saying.”
“I’m listening.”
How to spot a kinesthetic learner
Kinesthetic learners are feelers. They enjoy physical touch and learn by walking through the steps of a process. They often follow their gut feeling on decisions. Typically kinesthetic learners talk very slowly and like to be closer in proximity to others than a visual or auditory individual.
Kinesthetic learners tend to use phrases such as:
“Let me feel it out.”
“I just have to wrap my mind around it.”
When you are able to easily spot which predicate a person has a tendency towards, you can craft your language and actions to cater to their needs. In a relationship, any relationship, YOU have to go first. Use your knowledge on the other person to give them what THEY need. This will help you build rapport, have respect in the relationship, and know when and how to communicate wants, needs, desires, and boundaries with each other.