Foundations of Paraliminal Technology
Descriptions, Research, and Related Literature

This document explains the Paraliminal Technology that is used with many of our programs. It will examine the literature on the supporting technologies of Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching Methods, Whole Brain Learning, Imagery, Suggestion, Relaxation and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

The amount of literature on each of the above mentioned subjects is quite large. The intent of this paper is to survey the literature and provide a framework for further understanding. It is not intended to be exhaustive in detail.

Researchers requiring more details on the actual design of specific Paraliminal audios can contact the author at Learning Strategies Corporation.

This document explains the Paraliminal Technology that is used with many of our programs. It will examine the literature on the supporting technologies of Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching Methods, Whole Brain Learning, Imagery, Suggestion, Relaxation and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

The amount of literature on each of the above mentioned subjects is quite large. The intent of this paper is to survey the literature and provide a framework for further understanding. It is not intended to be exhaustive in detail.

Researchers requiring more details on the actual design of specific Paraliminals can contact the author at Learning Strategies Corporation.

Overall Design

"Para" is the Latin prefix meaning "beyond". "Liminal" refers to the "limen" or "threshold" of conscious awareness. The term literally means, "beyond the threshold of conscious awareness".

The term was coined, in part, to distinguish it from "subliminal" which means, "below the threshold". In psychological literature, subliminal refers to information that cannot be consciously perceived.

With the Paraliminal learning sessions, the listener can hear separate messages coming into each ear, but it is beyond the conscious mind's ability to process both messages simultaneously for more than a few moments. The result is an interesting multi-level communication to different hemispheres of the brain. The listener can choose which ear's information to attend to, and one's attention tends to switch from time to time. Consequently, the conscious mind's experience of the recording is different with each listening session. Yet, the other-than-conscious [referred to as "paraconscious" by Lozanov (1978)] receives the entire message each time.

Primary Learning and Behavioral Change Methodologies

The basic theory behind AL is that as humans we operate with unity of our conscious and paraconscious mind. Theory also states that suggestion is the key to using our mental reserves to accelerate learning. The use of SALT techniques according to Dr. Caskey (1980), "permits information to be absorbed more readily by the individual by bypassing emotional barriers which accompany most learning activities and it results in a larger percentage of learned material being retained in the long-term memory area of the brain."

With AL techniques the resulting learning has been found to be faster, more enjoyable, with high retention rates, while the self-concept of the learner is enhanced (Caskey, 1980).

Paraliminal learning sessions have been designed using the theories and methods of SALT, and Dr. Georgi Lozanov's original works in Suggestopedia -- which will be described later. The result is a collection of unique learning experiences which accelerate the listener past their blocks and into new ways of dealing with their personal and professional issues.

NLP is a model for understanding the basic processes used by all human beings to encode, transfer, guide, and modify behavior. "Neuro" stands for the idea that neurological processes cause all behavior. "Linguistic" refers to the way that neural processes are represented, ordered and sequenced into models and strategies through language and communication systems. "Programming" refers to the way internal sensory systems are organized for the achievement of specific outcomes. In sum, NLP is "The New Science of Achievement" (Robbins, 1986).

Paraliminal learning sessions employ the NLP technology in several ways. First, in the development of special linguistic structures to ensure ideal suggestions are presented. Second, in the creation of specific language patterns to enhance the process of learning and change. Third, in the actual delivery of messages on the audio sessions. This includes the choice of voice qualities, music phrasing and tonal marking, as well as the selection of sensory specific language.

The Paraliminal technology is an application of these two technologies, combined with sophisticated digital audio imaging effects and production techniques. Testimonial accounts of the benefits are plentiful. To give credence to client results, the various components of each technology will be examined in the pages that follow.

The next section will present the elements of SAL then the elements of NLP employed in Paraliminal learning sessions will be examined.

Suggestive-Accelerative Learning and Teaching

Professor William James in his essay, "The Energies of Men," said that very few people live up to their full potential. "As a rule," he wrote, "men habitually use only a small part of the powers which they actually possess and which they might use under appropriate conditions."

It wasn't until much later that a systematic effort in the field of human memory and learning bore out what Dr. James had realized. In the 1960's the extensive research of Dr. Georgi Lozanov, a Bulgarian psychiatrist, developed a new approach to accelerate learning and use the superpowers of mind. He applied elements of suggestion techniques and relaxation to classroom learning and termed the methods Suggestopedia (Lozanov, 1971). In America these methods have become known as suggestive-accelerative approaches to learning (Schuster, et al., 1976).

These techniques have been shown to be, "successful in increasing the amount of material learned in a given time or reducing the amount of time necessary to learn new material in a wide variety of subject matter areas at almost all educational levels" (Caskey, 1980).

• 10 Principles
• Whole Brain Education
• Imagery
• Music
• Suggestion
• Relaxation

These elements of SALT technology will be examined, one at a time in the pages that follow.

10 Principles
Ten interdependent principles support SALT methods as described in depth by Dr. Owen Caskey (1980). They are:

1. "A comfortable, attractive learning setting increases acquisition and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions make use of this by encouraging the listener to create just such an environment prior to listening.
2. "A relaxed state (physically and mentally) enhances learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions induce such states prior to the learning session.
3. "Bilateral hemisphere input into the brain (whole-brain learning) increases acquisition of new material." Paraliminal learning sessions are recorded in stereophonic 3-D sound, giving independent messages to each ear. (See more on this in the next section on whole brain learning.)
4. "Simultaneous use of the conscious and unconscious learning (double-planeness) makes learning easier and more productive." Paraliminal learning sessions have linguistically structured, indirectly suggestive messages to engage the paraconscious mind, while delivering direct suggestion to the conscious mind.
5. "An organized methodology (components and sequence) overcomes the anti-suggestive barriers which reject or inhibit new learning." Paraliminal learning sessions deliver specific step-by-step instructions to lead the listener through the learning process.
6. "Methodology emphasizing didactic, psychological, multisensory, and artistic elements increases learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions make specific requests of the listener. In addition, valid psychological principles are used for content along with 3-D special effects, environmental sounds and original score music used to create a unique internal sensory environment.
7. "Enhancing of psychohygenic conditions focuses concentration, while a musical background relaxes, resulting in increased recall and long-term memory." Special attention is given to offer strong self-esteem building messages on all Paraliminal learning sessions. The music is especially written and arranged to create optimal mental concentration.
8. "Retention is increased if information is viewed as being creditable and from an authoritative source. "Information disseminated on Paraliminal learning audios uses testimonials from satisfied users and stresses the legitimacy of the underlying technologies. Also promoted is the credibility of Learning Strategies Corporation and the academic credentials of the recording's author.
9. "A positive and encouraging learning atmosphere increases learning and retention." Paraliminal learning sessions have been carefully scripted, to the subtlest detail, to ensure positive wording and goal orientation.
10. "Success in learning heightens self-concepts and promotes personal adjustment and self-confidence." The increments of progress in learning are kept reasonable to ensure success with each listening.

According to research, the left hemisphere's main function is translation of perceptions into logical, semantic and phonetic representations of reality. It also serves to communicate with the outside world on the basis of logical analytical coding.

Paraliminal learning sessions deliver into the right ear, the message for the left hemisphere since the ears are neurologically cross wired (Corballis & Beale, 1983). These messages include specific descriptions of linear, sequential processes like the step-by-step procedures of particular NLP change processes, and detailed and logical explanations of various concepts and concrete experiences.

The right hemisphere is highly specialized in the holistic grasping of complex relationships, patterns configurations and structures. Its associations are non linear (via, free associations).

On the Paraliminal learning sessions, the messages given to this hemisphere, through the left ear, follow right hemisphere language patterns. According to Dr. Paul Watzlawick (1978), and Linda Williams (1983), these include: condensations, figurative language, giving bits of the whole, ambiguities, puns, allusions, visual imagery, fantasy, evocative language, metaphor, and multisensory language.

As Dr. Eric Klinger (1981) puts it, "Clinical evidence indicates strongly...that modifying imagery modified the models or schemata that underlie subsequent behavior." He goes on to say, "...working on a person's imagery gives us direct access to the processes necessary for change. It would make imagery techniques among our most powerful techniques for intervening in people's lives." (p. 10)

Each Paraliminal audio session makes full use of imagery in many ways. They employ sophisticated refinements on the instruction of guided imagery. For example, the Paraliminal technology encourages full-sensory imagery, distinguishing associated imagery from disassociated imagery when appropriate (Bandler, 1987).

Paraliminal learning sessions are produced with all originally scored music, arranged following the specifications outlined by Lozanov teacher-trainer Peter Kline.

Types of indirect suggestion used in Paraliminal learning sessions include: truisms, implied causatives, simple binds, focusing questions, double binds, yes sets, compounding suggestions and complex contingent suggestions. The importance of employing these techniques of suggestion is that the paraconscious mind follows the instruction without arousing resistance from the conscious mind (Erickson, et al., 1976).

Consistent with these findings in education (Clark, 1986), as well as with findings in therapy (Grinder & Bandler, 1982), Paraliminal learning sessions rely on creating relaxed states of mind. This is accomplished primarily through suggestion and the use of progressive relaxation (Jacobson, 1957).

Neuro-Linguistic Programming

In addition to collaborative books by Grinder and Bandler and their respective writings, other authors have written extensively on the subject (Robbins, 1986), (Lankton, 1980), (Gordon, 1978), (Cameron-Bandler, 1985), (Cameron-Bandler, et al., 1985), (Jacobson, 1983, 1986), (Meese, et al., 1985) to name just a few. However, this paper will not examine the underpinnings of the NLP technology. Rather, it will focus on where the Paraliminal technology has borrowed from NLP.

There are three major areas in which Paraliminal learning sessions use NLP technology. These include:

• Linguistic Structuring
• Specific Change Techniques
• Delivery of the Messages

In the pages that follow, these major areas of application will be summarized.

On the other hand, well-formed linguistic structures tend to be goal oriented and shape a positive framework for accessing one's internal resources (Grinder, 1973). In constructing the scripts for the Paraliminal learning sessions, proper well-formed linguistic structures are used to keep the listener goal oriented and positive.

At times, the language is "artfully vague" (Grinder & Bandler, 1981) following the patterns of Dr. Milton Erickson. This allows the right hemisphere the maximum room for personalizing the content of the representations made in the mind. This phenomenon based on the "pars-pro-toto principle" (Watzlawick, 1978), lets the right hemisphere have immediate recognition of a totality on the basis of one essential (unspecified) detail.

Paraliminal learning sessions also use linguistic structuring to help block the left hemisphere from interfering with the change process. This is accomplished by the use of: illusion of alternatives, symptom displacements and problem reframing. These techniques prevent self-sabotage from the conscious mind. [Such sabotage is often used as a primary justification for the use of subliminal technology in personal development audios (Dixon, 1981).]

The Paraliminal learning sessions use many of the actual change patterns described in the works of NLP. Several include: reframing, new behavior generation, collapsing realities, anchoring, chaining states, future pacing, stepping into resource, submodality manipulation and timeline therapy.

Each change technique is described in a step-by-step fashion to the left hemisphere of the listener. The listener is given the opportunity to follow along by filling in relevant content from his or her own experience at each step in the technique.

Delivery of the Message

Vocal Variety

Vocal variety in the delivery of instructional material has been an integral part of suggestive-accelerative learning and teaching techniques (Clark, 1986), (Schuster & Gritton, 1986), (Lozanov, 1978), (Caskey, 1980). Intonation and rhythm are cited as key variants.

Dr. Erickson brought the art of delivering suggestion to a high level of refinement (Grinder & Bandler, 1981). Paraliminal learning sessions use a melodious, sonorous voice trained by years of clinical experience and voice instructors to be ideal for the application.

(It should be noted that this is a huge distinction from "Hypnotic" self-improvement sessions that rely on boring, monotonous delivery of authoritarian commands like, "sleep!".)

Double Induction/Confusion

Upon first listening, two independent messages coming into different ears can be confusing. This confusion is actually an integral part of the Paraliminal technology. Developed over years of clinical research, Dr. Erickson refined what he called his "Confusion Technique".

It is essentially a way of playing with the communication in order to "...introduce progressively an element of confusion into the question of what is meant, thereby leading to an inhibition of responses called for but not allowed to be manifested and hence to an accumulating need to respond." (Haley, 1967, p. 156)

The confusion technique is primarily used to bypass the critical mind. Since the critical/logical mind cannot respond, the paraconscious tends to take over, building up a strong potential to respond. This technique was further developed by Grinder and Bandler in their lecturing style during the mid and late 1970s. It was then picked up and refined as “double-induction” by Drs. Steve Gilligan and Paul Carter in their seminars on Erickson’s work.

Paraliminal learning sessions, by the nature of their dual-voice effect, create the Ericksonian phenomenon. The resulting positive effects are best achieved when the audio session is listened to from start to finish. This allows for the progressive introduction of confusion. One of the key reasons why listeners are instructed to create a "special time" for listening to the recording in its entirety is to enhance this effect.

Pacing

NLP "Pacing" techniques are another way that the delivery of the message is enhanced. Pacing is a technique of matching vocal patterns to physiological experiences of the listener (Laborde, 1984). For example, the listeners breathing rhythms can be paced by the rhythm of the word phrases on the audio session. Another example is to comment on tunnel vision occurring as a person is asked to gaze at one spot on the wall. The effect is the development of profound levels of unconscious rapport (Grinder & Bandler, 1981).

Other Techniques

Another NLP technique used in the delivery of messages includes tonal marking or anchoring. This is the process of assigning a nonverbal stimulus to a specific subjective experiences. Psychologists as far back as Pavlov in the 1800s understood this as stimulus-response conditioning.

Another technique is to specify all sensory systems -- visual, auditory and kinesthetic -- when guiding the imagery of the listener. The resulting "Full Sensory Imagery", is superior to single sensory imaging in its impact on the listeners experience (Klinger, 1981).

Summary

The Paraliminal learning sessions rely on the remarkable power and effectiveness of the NLP technology in their script designs and studio recordings. With NLP, the Paraliminal technology capitalizes on the opportunity for truly multi-level communication, using both hemispheres of the brain and tapping the unconscious reserves of mind.

Conclusion

"Human beings possess capabilities of mind, literally beyond genius." -- Dr. Barbara Brown, physiologist, developer of biofeedback.

"We are only now on the threshold of knowing the range of educability of man." -- Dr. Jerome Bruner, Harvard University.

Findings in the literature on human development, learning and behavioral change, point to a new age of personal and professional growth. Because of decades of pioneering efforts on all fronts, new vistas are being realized that seemed unattainable a few short years ago.

The commercial educational market is currently a multi-billion dollar industry. Innovators in learning and human development technologies are needed. The challenge is to create brain-compatible learning methods that are cost effective, enjoyable to use, and achieve the necessary results. Learning Strategies Corporation has introduced one such innovation with the Paraliminal technology of compact disc learning.

When someone approaches a learning situation, as purchasers of audio recordings do, they come with a two-sided mind. As Williams (1983) puts it, "We must encourage them to use it, to develop both types of thinking so that they have access to the fullest range of possible mental abilities." (p. 190). The Paraliminal learning sessions are the only commercially available audio learning programs to do this.

Paraliminal learning sessions apply the new theories and principles recently discovered to improve the human condition. As research continues, greater understanding of the mechanisms of learning and change will undoubtedly be revealed. Then, what potential can be reached by human beings?

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