pattern interrupt

English

Noun

pattern interrupt (countable and uncountable, plural pattern interrupts)

1. (neuro-linguistic programming) A way of changing a person's mental, emotional, or behavioral state or strategy.
   • 2003, L. Michael Hall, The Sourcebook of Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to NLP Change Patterns‎^[1], 2nd edition, Crown House Publishing, →ISBN:

     Because our states constantly get interrupted and altered, having access to several good pattern interrupts enables us to not let some states become too powerful or overwhelming.

2. (marketing) Such a technique used strategically for marketing or sales purposes.
   • 2012, Douglas Van Praet, Unconscious Branding: How Neuroscience Can Empower (and Inspire) Marketing‎^[2], St. Martin's Press, →ISBN:

     When pattern interrupts are used strategically, they can pay out huge dividends. One of most intriguing examples of the empowerment is the queen of shock herself: Lady Gaga.

   • 2020 July 17, Patricia Duchene, “The Science Behind Pattern Interrupt”, in Forbes‎^[3]:

     Coming at things from a different angle is an extremely effective way to achieve pattern interrupt because your message can stand out within the muddle of an inbox.