The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life

By: Richard Bandler, Alessio Roberti, Owen Fitzpatrick

Narrated by: Owen Fitzpatrick

Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Richard Bandler, co-creator of NLP and the man who inspired Paul McKenna to greatness, collaborates with Alessio Roberti and Owen Fitzpatrick to reveal how to unleash your true potential and transform your life.

Richard Bandler - the world-renowned co-creator of NLP who has helped millions around the world change their lives for the better - has teamed up with Italian NLP Master Trainer Alessio and co-founder of the Irish Institute of NLP Owen, to craft a simple yet engaging story of one man’s personal change and discovery, to help listeners understand the remarkable principles of NLP.

Inspiring and easy to listen to, this fable recreates the experience of being at a workshop with Bandler. Rather than explaining the theories, An Introduction to NLP illustrates the principles and simple techniques that Bandler has developed over the past 35 years in action. This inspirational book gives you the tools to change your life, overcoming the things that are holding you back: your phobias, depression, habits, psychosomatic illnesses, or learning disorders. Through the simple techniques of NLP, you too can become a strong, happy, successful person and achieve your goals.

©2013 Richard Bandler, Alessio Roberti, Owen Fitzpatrick (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Richard Bandler is a Leonardo of our times. He is one of our living greats." ( The Guardian Weekend)

"The must have self-help book!" (Paul McKenna)

MADDENINGLY INEFFICIENT

I was expecting a book with this title to be textbook style, with clearly delineated sections, each with subsections addressing theory, explanation, and examples. The title says 'complete guide', therefore I was expecting an instruction guide or manual format. Instead, it was a 3 hour ad for one of Richard Bandler's Intro to NLP seminars. It was narrated as the story of a group of 6 or 7 different first time attendees (characters, not real people, with commensurately superficial problems), and how they each attained breakthroughs while taking part in their first Richard Bandler seminar.

So much of it was just unrealistic imaginary conversations and terribly longwinded segues.
i just clicked a totally random location to give an example, but the entire book is like this:

"he proceeded back to the seminar room and found himself a place to sit; by the time richard took the stage he was smiling away, already looking forward to the next few meetings. feeling better about them was an excellent start, but he also knew he needed to learn the most effective way of communicating with his clients and colleagues. he was full of anticipation as richard began to speak . . . 'now this morning you learned not only that you can take more control over what you feel . . . " etc. by the way, this is midway through chapter 4, not chapter 1 . . . that's how slow this book is to get anywhere.

There was good information contained in this book, but it would have been better at 1/5 the length or even shorter, delivered in a bullet point format, and illustrated with real-life examples rather than the superficial problems of imaginary characters. My mental energy was exhausted trying to keep track of the cast of characters and glean from the narrated parts of Bandler's speech which of his stupid expressions actually conveyed an important concept (ie. yoghurt knows yoghurt!), so much so that I didn't grasp or remember anything useful from this book even as I was in the process of listening to it.

I had read on various blogs that Bandler was the king of repackaging and reselling the same old concepts in every imaginable variety, so I was already unsure which of his books to buy (he has 130 books on amazon!). This one seemed to have the most straightforward title, so I chose it. I regret it. The outline, format and content could have been so much better.

Disappointing

What would have made The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life better?

I really wanted to like this book as much as other people have seemed to. But I found the format of the illusionary 'seminar' to be entirely self-indulgent, not to mention horribly condescending. It was painful to listen to. What would make this book better would be authors less intent on stroking their own egos. The best I can say is the narrator had quite a nice voice and accent.

My view on NLP changed completely after this book

What did you love best about The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life?

I've always been curious about hypnosis and NLP but everytime I got around to reading a book about the subject I always got bogged down with so many details and difficult language, so I always assumed It was hard and not for me.

After I listened to this book everything changed, NLP is very different from hypnosis and this book opened my mind to so much usefull stuff that I recommend this book for everyone, From teens to elderly people, it can significantly improve your life quality if you start changing what is inside your head.

NLP overview of technology for effective communica

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. You will be a more effective in listening, talking and understanding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life?

People have different ways of under standing information thru pictures,
sounds and feelings to make sense of language originating from internal or external language.

Have you listened to any of Owen Fitzpatrick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent

What did you learn from The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life that you would use in your daily life?

Yes. I'm a Certified Practitioner NLP and Richard Bandler will make you, laugh, cry and learn a better map of the world which will help you come away from his teaching a new and better person and outlook on life.

Not about NLP.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not about NLP. More about Positive reinforcement .

What about Owen Fitzpatrick’s performance did you like?

He is a good narrator with a good voice.

Did The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life inspire you to do anything?

No, not really, this is not about NLP?

Any additional comments?

This is more about positive talk. Not NLP.

A must read for the basic Understanding of NLP

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life to be better than the print version?

I believe this should be listened to. Especially for the Kinesthetic (auditory and or feeling oriented people.) learners out there. This will not be the case for people who need to feel the physical book. Some might enjoy having both so they can feel the pages and follow along with the reading.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Did not have a favorite character however I did like how you could feel for the main character. You get a sense of what the character is going through and in essence through the story you actually see how NLP works. NLP is not some great huge discovery rather it is a a system of learning to interact with anyone on their particular communicating style.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like the area where the Main character returns home and tries communicating with his girlfriend by understanding the style of communicating she uses rather than him always trying to blame himself for her being upset or unhappy. Classic example of being on different pages of communication.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, nothing extreme, however it did help me understand that when I am in the middle of a disagreement with someone else I must be aware of how they are communicating.

Any additional comments?

In a nutshell this book is an insight into the mind of different ways of thinking. For instance some people when they talk use their bodies in motion to help them communicate (visual) , others are very clear spoken and their every word means something (auditory). Most will use a combination of all styles. Some will relate in how they feel and will communicate on how they feel about something or another and how what they see and hear makes them feel. (kinesthetic.)

Literally A MUST have

I studied NLP at a brighter time in my life, then when faced with depression I lost the core concepts. This will give you the core concepts and much more in a very easy to comprehend manner. Piece by piece, it's chipping away my depression. I'm once again looking to a bright and successful future. Here's to keeping depression and unnecessary adversity away FOR GOOD.

Fantastic!

if I could give this book 8 stars I would.
This audio recording is a great ambassador of NLP. Whether you want a primer, refresher or are seeking to teach it, this is a great book.
Anyone that breathes cannot fail to benefit from it.
Go ahead and read it, I dare you! :)

If you like Tony Robbins you will love this.

WOW TRUELY LIFE CHANGING!!! U JUST HAVE TO WANT IT

Any additional comments?

Amazing book!!! It teach you that you can change your life... if you really want to!!! Amazing Story... and I was able to relate to the teaching!!!

easy to listen to, concise and real worldy

What did you learn from The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life that you would use in your daily life?

I found it an easy audiobook and had some real "below the line" learning.
Iver listened a coule of times now and some of the practices are starting to be easier to call on.
Highly resommend for a simple view on the topic and some esay real world tools

Good narration but no substance

I chose this book as I am new to NLP and wanted an overview of the subject before deciding whether it was for me... I finish the book as I started - clueless.

The book follows Joe an attendee on the authors NLP course as he improves his life through a series of light bulb moments during the aforementioned course. The narration is spot on and enjoyable to listen to but I haven't learned a single technique I can put in to practice in real life nor do I understand the framework / exercises NLP practitioners use.

Is NLP for me.... I'll have to buy another book to find out!

useful and helpful

Before I buy an audiobook I generally look at the hard copy on Amazon and read the reviews before making my decision. I noticed that some readers felt it was patronising and this put me off. I do understand why they made these comments. Nevertheless I gained a lot from it. The thing I liked about it most was the way that it the information was presented it made it easy to understand when to use the techniques, why they are so important in everyday communication and it ran you through some examples of conversations so you can see how they work in the real world. NLP is not an easy subject to present in book format, you really need to be in live training to fully understand how to use it, but this book seemed to come as close as you could get.

It would be very easy to just close your eyes and go along with some of the demonstrations as if you were a participant.

The only criticism is that many people do not fit as easily into the types outlined in this book. It is only intended to be a brief introduction, so you cannot really expect to get an answer to everything you get stuck on. For example on the timeline exercise I cannot perceive time in the way that this book presents it. I am a practising hypnotherapist so I'm not really too concerned about this because I have ways around it, but if you are not familiar with some techniques it could be frustrating. On the other hand you may be curious and want to learn more.

Complete Rubbish

If you want a boring state the obvious book then this is the one for you...waste of money.

Should be called NLP for dummies!

I'm really interested in the subject of NLP, this book described about 4 good techniques but in a drawn out patronising way. The narrative follows a fictitious person on an NLP seminar and over emphasises what you are supposed to think in a patronising way 'the audience all laughed together' 'Emily blushed and smiled'.
I can't see the benefit of teaching the techniques in this style it is very cringey I had to stop listening. Buy a book with a factual approach if you want to learn about NLP.

Absolute twaddle

I listened to this as NLP had been recommended by two different people on quite different professions. After finishing this, I am undecided about NLP (I can see benefits on listening to others use of words and encouraging others to problem solve) but the simplistic, mindless cheerleader style of the "exercises" is so fatuous and patronising. There is no attempt to explain the way the brain works. Instead bizarre analogies are used ("yoghurt knows yoghurt" being the most idiotic). There are FAR BETTER books available on Audible to change your thinking - Steve Peters, Walter Mischel and Kelly McDonigal are all authors of excellent books which are a hundred times better than this item.

Super introduction to NLP

If you could sum up The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life in three words, what would they be?

When I first began listening to it I thought, hmmm not sure about the format and whether it would work. However... I have now listened to it about 3 or 4 times and it is one of the better NLP books I've listened or read. It bring you into the methods quite easily and allows you reflect on the process and methods that can be emplyed in NLP to better your self.
6 stars

What did you like best about this story?

Its a super way to bring and understanding of the NLP practice and methods

What about Owen Fitzpatrick’s performance did you like?

initally I though this might not work, but after 15 min, is tonality was very good

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, It takes time to absorb it.

Highly Accessible

This is not a book to bring large amounts of new material for an experienced NLP-er. Instead, it is a highly accessible introduction that uses NLP techniques to demonstrate how people can approach this field.

No previous experience is required, just listen to the story and experience a bit of NLP.

Cheesy story - but a great intro to NLP

What made the experience of listening to The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life the most enjoyable?

The story that surrounds the audiobook is quite poor, and not well written - however what makes it great is that it breaks down the concepts of NLP into very easy to use chunks. This made this one of the best books about NLP I've come across.

What could the authors have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The writing was not great, and the story was extremely cheesy. But I think short of completely re-writing it I dont see how they could fix this.

Which character – as performed by Owen Fitzpatrick – was your favourite?

He's a very engaging speaker however any character where he was pretending to be a man was best. He doesnt come across well as a teenage girl.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really, it was quite inspiring stuff though, once you get past the naff story.

Any additional comments?

Worth sticking with if you want an intro to NLP, it's without doubt the best intro I've ever seen - despite the poor back story.

Surprising good listen.

Most technical or self help books I find take for every to get to the point or just mind numbingly boring. The way the subject is delivered is from the perspective of a delegate attending an NLP training day and it works surprising well.

Well worth the money

It does what it says on the tin

What made the experience of listening to The Ultimate Introduction to NLP: How to Build a Successful Life the most enjoyable?

This was the first time I've ever read (listened) to a book on NLP. I thought it was just another self development fad before listening to this. I'm sure there are a lot of (audio)books that have contributed to this perception. This was not one of them. Once I figured out the format - NLP through the eyes of Joe attending his second NLP workshop - it was both quite enjoyable and very accessible.

What about Owen Fitzpatrick’s performance did you like?

Owen Fitzpatrick managed to communicate humour and a feeling of empathy with the characters that brought - what might otherwise might be quite a dry subject - to life and made it engaging.

Any additional comments?

I'd highly recommend this book for anyone who wants either an introduction to NLP or who has previously felt overwhelmed with other NLP texts.