Each individual has one primary mode in which he or she prefers for learning and communication - either visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. However, we also have the ability to move from one mode to another, depending on the situation. For example, if you are right-handed, you probably would rather write with the right hand than the left. You have the ability to write with the left hand but comfort lies with the right.

Think about it, your mind performs six primary representational functions (excluding maintaining internal physical functions such as breathing) in order to "make sense" of the world--it creates representations of pictures, sounds, words, generates feelings, smells and tastes. Through the five senses you gather information and store it in like manner. Your mind then retrieves this information in the same code or format that you store the experience. If you store information visually, you will retrieve it as a picture. If you hear and store a noise, you will retrieve the information as a sound.

We call this coding or storing of information--an internal representation. In experimenting with a pleasant experience, you retrieved the visual part of the internal representation of a pleasant experience. Quite possibly your pleasant experience also had sounds. By changing the coding of an experience, you can change your feelings and your internal state. When the internal state changes, behavior changes.

Visual (Eyes) - for the Pictures, Sights, Images

Auditory (Ears) - for the Sounds, noises, tones, volumes

Kinesthetic (skin/body) - for the sensations, touch, pressure, etc.

See the quiz below if you want to know which sensory system you prefer to use.

Put a check mark next to the statement which describes you; leave it blank if it doesn't fit. There are no correct or incorrect answers; you are simply indicating your preferences. The mode that you score highest in indicates your preferred or favorite NLP system: "A" signifies the auditory mode; "B" the visual mode; and "C" the kinesthetic mode.

1.
A._____ I love to listen to music.
B._____ I enjoy art galleries and window shopping.
C._____ I feel compelled to dance to good music.

2.
A._____ I would rather take an oral test than a written test.
B._____ I was good at spelling in school.
C._____ I tend to answer test questions using my "gut" feelings.

3.
A._____ I've been told I have a great voice.
B._____ My confidence increases when I look good.
C._____ I enjoy being touched.

4.
A._____ I can resolve problems more quickly when I talk out loud.
B._____ I would rather be shown an illustration than have something explained to me
C._____ I find myself holding or touching things as they are being explained.

5.
A._____ I can usually determine someone's sincerity by the sound of their voice.
B._____ I find myself evaluating others based on their appearance.
C._____ The way others shake hands with me means a lot to me.

6.
A._____ I would rather listen to cassettes than read books.
B._____ I like to watch television and go to the movies.
C._____ I like hiking and other outdoor activities.

7.
A._____ I can hear even the slightest noise that my car makes.
B._____ It's important that my car is kept clean, inside and out.
C._____ I like a car that feels good when I drive it.

8.
A._____ Others tell me that I'm easy to talk to.
B._____ I enjoy "people watching."
C._____ I tend to touch people when talking.

9.
A._____ I am aware of what voices sound like on the phone as well as face-to-face.
B._____ I often remember what someone looked like, but not their name.
C._____ I can't remember what people look like.

10.
A._____ I often find myself humming or singing to the radio.
B._____ I enjoy photography.
C._____ I like to make things with my hands.

11.
A._____ I would rather have an idea be explained to me than read it.
B._____ I enjoy speakers more if they use visual aids.
C._____ I like to participate in activities rather than watch.

12.
A._____ I am a good listener.
B._____ It's important that I always look my best.
C._____ I feel positive or negative towards others, sometimes without knowing why.

13.
A._____ I can resolve problems more quickly when I talk out loud.
B._____ I am good at finding my way using a map.
C._____ I exercise because of the way I feel afterwards.

14.
A._____ I like a house with rooms that allow for quiet areas.
B._____ It's important that my house is clean and tidy.
C._____ I like a house that feels comfortable.

15.
A._____ I like to try to imitate the way people talk.
B._____ I make a list of things I need to do each day.
C._____ I've been told that I'm well-coordinated.

TOTAL A _____ TOTAL B _____ TOTAL C _____

The mode A, B, or C that you scored the highest in indicates your preference. If A is higher, you are more auditory. If B is higher, you're more visual. If your highest score is in the C category, you're more kinesthetic. Knowing your preferred modality for learning and communicate allows you to recognise the way you interact with others and may also allow you to adjust to a different modality to aid better communication with other individuals (who may have a different style).