The Eight Sentences:
Dr. Thibaut, “Like I said earlier, this project has made me work more than usual on a candidate’s masters. Where did you find out about the work of Bandler and Grinder?”
Claudia answered, “I met a [Dale Carnegie] instructor trainer from California and he told me about their work. What they[ Bandler and Grinder] do involves therapy using a person’s choice of words and body language so it’s closely associated with group dynamics. Sometimes, the group only has two people. He’s been a great help with locating resources. Have you ever noticed that I never sit directly in front of you? If you’re somewhat to my right, you are more likely to agree with me. He taught me that — and introduced me to the study of group dynamics.”
This part of Claudia’s past is autobiographical for me. I taught and sold Dale Carnegie Courses for several years in the mid 1980’s. A fine introduction to NLP is Frog’s Into Princes by Bandler and Grinder. I recommend it for anyone interested in pursuing the topic.
A related snippet prompted this blog article about Claudia’s master thesis: “What the Assassin Already Knows.”

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16 responses to “A Master’s Degree in Group Dynamics”
Teresa Cypher
October 29th, 2014 at 22:22
I love when a story teaches an interesting little tidbit. 🙂 Another good 8, Chip. 🙂 !
nicolettehugowriter
October 29th, 2014 at 05:46
I am so tempted to go sit on the right of someone now 🙂
emmygatrell
October 27th, 2014 at 07:53
I’m going to be trying the sitting on the right thing. Interesting and great snippet!
Iris B
October 27th, 2014 at 05:43
Interesting post this week!
Iris B
October 27th, 2014 at 05:37
Interesting snippet this week!
caitlinstern
October 26th, 2014 at 23:33
I always feel like that sort of thing is cheating a little bit. On the other hand, it’s cool how weird the human brain is.
jtsuruoka
October 26th, 2014 at 22:22
Hmmm. An interesting psycological insight. Interesting snippet.
elainecsc2013
October 26th, 2014 at 20:38
Claudia is so interesting! I want to know more and more about her.
sueannbowlingauthor
October 26th, 2014 at 20:01
Fascinating character.
Sarah W
October 26th, 2014 at 17:26
Claudia is, as always, a fascinating character, Chip. Her preparation for her chosen profession, as well as her casual, matter-of-fact tone, just makes her that much more intriguing!
veronicascott
October 26th, 2014 at 17:02
That was an educational excerpt, as well as interesting, with more insights into how much she’s prepared for her career. Fascinating story!
burnsmillie
October 26th, 2014 at 12:11
I love Claudia. I think I say that a lot : ) Reading body language is very important in her line of work, she’s got to be an expert : )
Linda Hamonou
October 26th, 2014 at 11:57
Claudia really has a lot of knowledge in human behavior.
Author Charmaine Gordon
October 26th, 2014 at 09:31
ANd what happens next? I picture her fondling the silencer in her bag, fingers twitching when anyone disagrees with her dynamics.
historysleuth1
October 26th, 2014 at 09:26
Your Claudia is one smart cookie. I see her using that in later in her other “jobs.” I really have to read this one next.
History Sleuth – Milk Carton Murders
Gem
October 26th, 2014 at 09:09
Hmmm…good way to introduce the dynamics angle in the story.