A: If you really want to master NLP language patterns, stop reading the books. Do the following for one, and then repeat for each pattern. Take one pattern and write out 10 examples. For example, cause-effect. Write out ten cause and effect statements. For Sleight of Mouth patterns, do the same. Write a cause-effect or complex equivalence and then 10 of one specific SOM pattern. 10 Apply to Self, 10 Meta-frames, etc...
Then watch some soap operas that you don't like. And really listen for each pattern. Remember focus on one pattern a week. Also, and here's the most important part, notice which language patterns you normally use. And pay close attention to find out if your normal unconscious language empowers you or makes you a victim.
Most people learn NLP language patterns to use on other people, and hardly ever look at their own language patterns. Mastery means you get good at both, self and others. Your own language patterns will reveal so much about you that you can spend a good bit of time cleaning up limitations in yourself.
If you find that you have trouble hearing a specific pattern, then there is a good chance, that you are victim to it. It's the one others can use with you without any resistance. It slips right in. Move from the books to actual experience. This is the first step to mastery.
-Oz
