An unspecified verb is one that offers only a vague description of an action. When we use the meta model we endeavor to gather more precision by asking good questions.

As an example, if we heard someone say, “she went to the party,” we would have no idea exactly how she “went,” so we’d ask a question. We might ask, “Precisely how did she transport herself to said social gathering?” Or we might ask, “How’d she go?” Either question would serve the purpose of eliciting more information and a more precise description of her action.

Of course there are other things in this sentence we’re can’t be sure of either, like who she is, what party she was going to, etc., but for our purposes here, we are focusing on the unspecified verb.

By the way - it should be noted that ALL verbs are unspecified to a certain degree. No verbal description can ever completely convey the actual physical act. So if the answer to our above question was “she ran to the party,” we’d know much more than we did, but do we know if she sprinted, jogged, rushed, loped or cantered? No.

So that’s how you use the meta model. To “reverse” the meta model (itself an unspecified verb), we will be purposely vague. As hypnotic speakers, we can choose to deliberately be nonspecific in our verb choices so the listener can have more freedom to let their internal imaginings take place.

In the following “artfully vague” examples, we deliberately can say things that contain unspecified verbs:

“Go into trance now.”
“People can learn these patterns rapidly.”
“You may enjoy a delightful experience.”
“And you can drop down into that good feeling.”

“…and as you read these words
you may begin to discover
that you are learning
so rapidly
in ways that you were not even aware of … yet
are there and are yours
to keep and appreciate
how you can utilize these skills
as you practice everyday.”

This fine title is being brought to you by the department of redundancy department. “Unspecified Nouns” and “Unspecified Referential Index” are the same thing. They are both either unspecified people, places, or things.

What is so trancy about that, you ask? Well, whenever the listener has to go inside to wonder what exactly you’re talking about, you take a little slice of their consciousness momentarily. You are also giving them the opportunity to relate what you’ve said to themselves.
It may be a small thing but small things add up.

“People can learn these patterns rapidly.”

“It will be a delightful experience.”

“And you can drop down into that good feeling.”

They are also very useful when doing group trances because when you use unspecified nouns people can interpret what you’re saying in the way that works best for them.

“…and then you step out into the that beautiful place

so peaceful and serene

drink in your surroundings… the colors - so vibrant

listen to the sounds - are there any living creatures nearby?

reach down and feel the textures between your fingers…” 

You know, sometimes it’s fun to go out and practice these language patterns on actual people in actual situations. You know? Being respectful, of course. Write out a dozen or so examples first if you like, then go. Be daring. Do it.

Make the world a better place and put smiles on people’s faces. Notice when people are in naturally occurring trance states (elevators, cars, buses, classrooms, waiting rooms, etc.) and just speak. Make casual observances. Like, “Morning. Looks like somebody got some new shoes! Nice! You always feel like a million bucks with new shoes, don’t you?  My mother always said,  ”just stop and realize you can feel good for no good reason.” You know, like when you just don’t care what anybody else thinks and you just find yourself smiling inside? She’s right. It’s nice to do that sometimes, isn’t it? Anyway - this is my floor - have a nice day!”

Nominalizations

The Meta Model teaches us that nominalizations are verbs that have been changed into nouns. In other words, they are a process that has been changed linguistically into a thing. As an example, we hear people speak about their “relationship,” instead of “how they are relating to their partner.”

It’s really good to recognize them because clients use them all the time. A person seeking therapy may complain of “their depression.” They are speaking as if depression was a thing rather than the act of acting depressed. Dave Dobson taught that a useful response to them would be, “what are you acting depressed about?” This way of responding effectively turns their nominalization back into a verb. 

You’ll notice that the ending “ion” is common for nominalizations. 

discussion, completion, objection, consideration, decision, evolution

But there are many of them that do not have that ending.

discovery, movement, resistance, reaction, hope

(If you’re not sure about a particular word, use the wheelbarrow test: Can you put it into a wheelbarrow? As an example - a relationship may seem like a thing, but can you put it into a wheelbarrow?)

So then, how can we reverse the meta model and use nominalizations artfully and purposefully? Notice all the ones in the following example:

and you can feel that feeling

of trance deepen as you 

drift down and allow 

your unconscious

to find exactly the right resources 

to create the perfect solution

and let that understanding

permeate your spirit

now

or in sales:

The experience of this car’s responsiveness will cause you to feel a surge of elation that starts … right … there … and then spreads out and fills you with that intoxication of adventure that means you must possess it now.

Remember the rule, “The client must never be vague, the hypnotist — always.”