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A satisfactory definition of NLP is impossible, given that it is really a hotch–potch of theories, some of which are based on legitimate science, but which have no connection with NLP, but is otherwise a messy soup of new age thinking that mixes hypnosis, psychotherapy and unconscious thinking (and any old rubbish that comes their way) into a suitably palatable omelette for the gullible.  It is much favoured by trainers for its childish tricks for classroom courses.  Its founders are Gregory Bateson, a now forgotten new-age sociologist, and his student, Richard Bandler (later drug addict and arrested for First degree murder in 1988) and John Grinder.   

A satisfactory definition of NLP is impossible, given that it is really a hotch–potch of theories, some of which are based on legitimate science, but which have no connection with NLP, but is otherwise a messy soup of new age thinking that mixes hypnosis, psychotherapy and unconscious thinking (and any old rubbish that comes their way) into a suitably palatable omelette for the gullible.  It is much favoured by trainers for its childish tricks for classroom courses.  Its founders are Gregory Bateson, a now forgotten new-age sociologist, and his student, Richard Bandler (later drug addict and arrested for First degree murder in 1988) and John Grinder.   

The purpose of NLP is clearer.  It is more like a brand that sells the promise of unlimited potential by access to subconscious engrams, and body language cues derived from the observation of “therapeutic wizards”.  For example, it claims to ‘model’ the behavioural characteristics observed in top performers in their subject (typically top performers in businesses and corporations) on the assumption that copying these 'behaviours' will lead to success in business.  See e.g. here http://www.inspiritive.com.au/talent.htm.   

NLP is really a brand that sells the promise of unlimited potential by access to subconscious engrams, and body language cues derived from the observation of “therapeutic wizards”.  For example, it claims to ‘model’ the behavioural characteristics observed in top performers in their subject (typically top performers in businesses and corporations) on the assumption that copying these 'behaviours' will lead to success in business.  See e.g. here http://www.inspiritive.com.au/talent.htm.   

The word 'model' should not be confused with a scientific 'model'. A scientific model is a representation of the world which has explanatory power. It is not a mere list of conditions: a successful model must explain reality with the minimum number of assumptions (for example the geocentric model of Ptolemy contains many more assumptions than the heliocentric Copernican one, which rapidly superseded it).   

The word 'model' should not be confused with a scientific 'model'. A scientific model is a representation of the world which has explanatory power. It is not a mere list of conditions: a successful model must explain reality with the minimum number of assumptions (for example the geocentric model of Ptolemy contains many more assumptions than the heliocentric Copernican one, which rapidly superseded it).