Below are 10 examples of positive embedded commands and 10 examples of negative embedded commands. Each set is phrased to be relatively subtle, so the embedded directive (in italics) isn’t immediately obvious to a casual reader or listener. In practice, such wording can be ethically problematic if used to manipulate rather than encourage or guide—so these are best treated as examples for linguistic or NLP-related study rather than for covert influence.
10 Positive Embedded Commands
- “You might be surprised how many people find themselves growing in confidence once they focus on what really matters.”
- (Embedded command: find themselves growing)
- “I wonder how soon you’ll feel more certain about your next steps once you review all your options.”
- (Embedded command: feel more certain)
- “Sometimes, it’s enough just to pause and notice how easily you learn when you’re relaxed.”
- (Embedded command: notice how easily you learn)
- “Some people discover their natural strengths before they even realize what they’re doing differently.”
- (Embedded command: discover their natural strengths)
- “When you read through this material, you may begin to absorb new ideas without even trying.”
- (Embedded command: begin to absorb new ideas)
- “I’ve seen others simply decide to trust their instincts and notice instant improvements.”
- (Embedded command: decide to trust their instincts)
- “It can be fascinating to let your mind settle into a comfortable rhythm as you work on this.”
- (Embedded command: let your mind settle)
- “You might not realize how quickly you start understanding more until it naturally happens.”
- (Embedded command: start understanding more)
- “People often say you grow stronger with every challenge once you see the bigger picture.”
- (Embedded command: grow stronger with every challenge)
- “You could, at any moment, allow yourself to feel motivated, even if you’re not aware of it right now.”
- (Embedded command: allow yourself to feel motivated)
10 Negative Embedded Commands
- “Sometimes, you just can’t help but doubt your progress when things get tough.”
- (Embedded command: doubt your progress)
- “I wonder how many people fail to see the right moment to act on their goals.”
- (Embedded command: fail to see the right moment)
- “You might keep questioning your abilities longer than you really need to.”
- (Embedded command: keep questioning your abilities)
- “Some individuals simply overlook opportunities and never realize what they’ve missed.”
- (Embedded command: overlook opportunities)
- “It can be tempting to allow distractions to take over, especially when you’re under pressure.”
- (Embedded command: allow distractions to take over)
- “People sometimes hold onto their doubts instead of noticing how far they’ve come.”
- (Embedded command: hold onto their doubts)
- “You may not even realize how quickly you can give in to worry before you have a chance to think.”
- (Embedded command: give in to worry)
- “I’ve heard others let confusion linger so long that they lose sight of their original goals.”
- (Embedded command: let confusion linger)
- “Some folks always remain stuck in the same routines, never trying a different approach.”
- (Embedded command: remain stuck in the same routines)
- “You could, without noticing, stop pushing yourself whenever a challenge appears.”
- (Embedded command: stop pushing yourself)
Notes on Subtlety
- The key to making these commands “not easily recognized” by the conscious mind lies in burying the directive within a broader, naturally flowing sentence.
- The command is often set off by a shift in tone or emphasis (in spoken language) or by slight rephrasing (in written language).
- Ethical and transparent communication generally avoids covert or manipulative uses of embedded commands, so these examples are best employed as linguistic exercises or demonstrations of how language patterns can operate below the level of overt awareness.
Closing Thoughts
Embedded commands, when used ethically, can be powerful tools in an educational setting—helping teachers reinforce positive mindsets, highlight essential concepts, and encourage focused action in their students. By embedding constructive directives into everyday language, educators can gently guide learners toward greater confidence and deeper engagement without sounding forced or overbearing. However, it’s equally important to recognize that some individuals employ negative embedded commands—often unintentionally—to manipulate or discourage. Whether used by habit or by design, these negative patterns can undermine a student’s self-belief and hinder progress. Awareness of both the positive and negative aspects of embedded commands empowers educators to create a more supportive, growth-oriented environment for their learners—and to spot less helpful influences before they take root.
