NLP Meta Model: Deletion, Distortion & Generalization
What is the NLP Meta Model? Learn its 3 parts - deletion, distortion and generalization - what it is good for, and its limits.
Written by Niels AmmerlaanLicensed Master Trainer of NLP · Updated
Semantic Ill-Formedness is the Second part of the Inverse of the Meta Model. Remember that the we use the Meta Model here to reveal Distorted information. Here we are going to discover the Three parts it is been made of.
Now in the Meta Model we learned to ask the questions to discover what has been distorted by the client. In the Milton Model we, as the NLP Practitioner, we are utilizing to deliberately distort information and provide suggestions with it. This part, Semantic Ill-Formedness, is very powerful. So study it closely, in the end it will make the utilization of the Milton Model only easier.
Before you start reading about Semantic Ill-Formedness, consider that you are in the realm of the Milton Model. In the Meta Model we have learnt to reveal Deleted, Distorted and Generalized information.
Now, applying the patterns of Semantic Ill-Formedness you start to be artfully vague in utilizing the Milton Model patterns.
You do so by providing instructions that are distorted in your hypnotic induction. It provides your client instructions to open-up to new ideas, insights and experiences. Your job as an NLP Practitioner is to help your client open up to new ideas. So first start with reading the articles. Second you start to collect examples. Last but not least you start to apply all new learnings and see how they work.
Semantic Ill-Formedness consists out of three parts. Click the links below to learn more.
Have fun reading our articles about the Inverse of the Meta Model and the NLP Milton Model and the exercises we provide you here online.
Remember, to increase your efficiency as a NLP Practitioner, know your positive intention for the message you want to convey, build rapport and pay attention on what and how you use language. Leave people and business in a better place that where you found them, every day! Put yourself to work and start making the NLP Meta Model part of your knowledge. The sooner you start, the sooner you benefit.
Mind Tools provides NLP Practitioner and NLP Master Practitioner Trainings and Certifications. We educate you according to the renowned, latest and highest standards set by the Society of NLP. We will train you thoroughly in all the corners of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and some extras we learned from Richard Bandler directly.
About the author
Licensed Master Trainer of NLP (Society of NLP) · Managing Partner, Mind Tools
Niels has trained and coached leaders, teams and individuals in Thailand and Europe for more than 30 years. He teaches the Licensed NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner courses in Bangkok.
Learn NLP in person
The 6-day Licensed NLP Practitioner course in Central Bangkok turns what you read here into skills you use every day. Certified by Dr. Richard Bandler and the Society of NLP.
Next course: 17–22 Nov 2026 · Bangkok
Our Licensed NLP Practitioner Training starts in:
17–22 November 2026 · 6 days
Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, 11 Sukhumvit Soi 24