VAKOG Communication

VAKOG is an acronym for the modality of the 5 senses that we use to experience the world.

Visual
Auditory
Kinesthetic
Olfactory
Gustatory

We use all 5 senses to collect information and it’s our firsthand experience of world. In NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) we call this collection of data / experiences our Internal Map of The World. It is through this internal map of the world that we create all of our experiences.

You may have noticed that most people have a preference for one or more of the top 3 Modalities, Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic.

So why is VAKOG in our communication so important?

If you want to improve the level of your communication (the ability to elicit a preferred response) get your point across effectively and efficiently it is extremely important.

When you can identify which modality of VAKOG your client or staff are using you can adopt the same modality and reflect it back to them. This will immediately start to build respect, trust, deep similarity and influence for a win / win outcome.

Imagine that your potential client is a very visual person and communicated to you in this format:

Bill: “I can’t really see how this will work John… and I need to have an overall picture so it looks clear to me…”

Now…. In your response you will want to use visual words similar to Bill because he will understand that modality of language immediately because that’s the modality he is using and prefers.

John: “Yes Bill, I can see that you haven’t got a clear picture of how this would work yet so how about I show you a diagram that will allow you to see the picture clear as day?”

With this response we would continue to build rapport by using all the same visual words and be much closer to our desired outcome.

If we responded in Auditory (I hear what you are saying) or Kinesthetic (I understand how you feel) modalities our response will not be as effective.

Do you know what Modality you prefer to use most of the time? Understanding your own style of communication will go a long way to understand those you communicate with on a regular basis.

If you’re interested I have a short test that will reveal to you in order of preference your VAKOG Modality.

Shoot me an email paul@bigvisionlifecoach.com if you would like a copy of the test or if you have any other questions.