Representational Systems

People have a preferred way of speaking and ways in which they see and understand the world around them. This is sometimes referred to as their representational system. To help you build better rapport with your learners and deliver your message effectively, it’s extremely helpful to understand your learners’ representational systems.

Basically, humans tend to use specific words depending on which representational system they belong to.

So why is this important?

Well, language expresses the way that we interpret the world. If you’re able to recognize the words that people use, you can gain insight into how they learn. By communicating with them using words from their primary learning sense, you can build a stronger connection and deliver a more effective learning experience.

Here’s the cool thing, if you haven’t already noticed. Representational systems correlate with the learning styles that we just covered.

So let’s explore some of the language or representational phrases that are associated with each of the learning styles. (Consider making this an interaction)

Auditory Learner Representational Phrases

• Clearly expressed
• Grant an audience
• Inquire into
• Call on
• Idle talk
• Give an account of
• Outspoken
• Earful
• Manner of speaking
• Describe in detail
• Express yourself
• Word for word
• Loud and clear
• State your purpose
• To tell the truth
• Unheard of
• Voiced an opinion

Visual Learner Representational Phrases

• Appears to me
• Bird’s eye view
• Mind’s eye
• Dim view
• Mental picture
• Clearcut
• In view of
• Eye to eye
• Hazy idea
• In light of
• Make a scene
• Beyond a shadow of a doubt
• Get perspective In person
• Catch a glimpse

Kinesthetic Learner Representational Phrases

• Hand in hand
• Boils down to
• Come to grips with
• Know-how
• Get a handle on
• Light-headed
• Hold on!
• Heated argument
• Hand-in-hand
• Firm foundation
• Floating on air
• Control yourself
• Get in touch with
• Get the drift of
• Get a load of this

Listen for these phrases in your training sessions to help you get an understanding of learner styles.

If you find that the majority of learners are kinesthetic, incorporate more hands-on skill practice. Alternatively, a classroom filled with visual learners may benefit more from the use of video. Auditory learners may enjoy lecturing and group discussions but to cater to the other learner styles, you should incorporate workbooks and activities to reinforce the verbal lessons.