I have been asked to give a talk on the use of misdirection for easing chilren anxiety for health related procedures at a con.ference. I was asked to teach some basic effect that health workers could learn to distract. I am not really sure what is worth exposing. I use misdirection in my surgical practice in ways of techniques and speech rather that actual entertainment and was going to focus my presentation on that aspect.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

Well.. it sort of sounds like those who asked you to do this don't really know the difference between misdirection and distraction and that they are after the latter.

In terms of "misdirection" applied to such a setting, I'd say it would have to do with getting your body language easy and not-tense in order to project a feeling of calm to the child....

I agree but Maybe you could use something visual in order to keep a childs mind off pain. Such as a d-lite its very visual and could be very captivating to a child. Something along the lines of "watch the magic light" to distract them when getting a shot. You wouldnt have to worry about exposure due to K-B toys selling them as kids toys. Simple yet effective form of misdirection.