Have you ever found yourself in the middle of what you thought was a perfectly ordinary conversation with someone, when you noticed, after a minute or so, that they had started speaking in an entirely affected manner - and they were copying you? Lean to the left and they followed you, start tapping your foot and they developed the same tic. If this scenario rings a bell, there is every chance you've been NLPd.

Neuro-linguistic programming, NLP for short, is the proto- (some would say pseudo-) science from where we obtained the notion of learning styles currently doing nothing whatsoever to enhance the educational success of school students nationwide. Originated by a Californian, NLP's influence is spreading: it has crept stealthily into the business arena, and is being given increasing credence in our schools.

NLP has its followers, and they can be passionate. (If you doubt this, look out for the letters section next week.) It promises that if you use its techniques, you will be able to build instantaneous rapport with others. In doing so, you will, of course, become ever more successful in social situations and, consequently, will be able to exert influence on those around you. Which is where the whole thing takes on a something of a sinister timbre. Influence and power are kissing cousins, and, as Billy Connolly suggests, a desire for power should automatically preclude the holder of that desire from achieving it. Read More