I'm sure this has been talked about, but I couldn't find a topic...

do you say you are pyschic? A mind reader? Do you take the psychology standpoint? NLP?...personally I prefer psychology/body language view.

What do you all think

I don't explain the abilities, they're things I am learning to do, but not good at yet. So it's all sort of practice...psychic pushups to get better at it all.

The subconscious mind, it's power and potential is big for me - mind control, suggestion influence.

A mix of NLP, illusion and showmanship. Sort of Derren Brown disclaimer that everyone is happy with, you feel no pressure to prove everything and, of course, it's up to me and my routines to lead the audience categorize them hopefully under the NLP category...

My 2 cents (actually 1,80 cents given the global recession)

Sensio

Why is it necessary to explain them at all? Is a magician obliged to "explain his abilities" or is the fact that he is a "magician" all the explanation that is required? Why should a different standard be applied to a mentalist or mindreader? If one wishes to make claims (I don't BTW) -- which IMO merely invites challenges -- that is a different matter. Similarly, if one chooses to issue a disclaimer (I don't do that either) then, in effect, one HAS offered an explanation (i.e., what I do isn't what it appears to be).

Just my $0.02.

Same here.

A lack of vitamin B.

I am with Mr. Christian.

I leave people curious and as I perform it creates a level of expectation that is enjoyed more, compared to being challenged from stating how I do what I do.

-Scott M

I am a professional performer. That basically eliminates all other questions.


Keep the change,
Rick

I'm mental.

Greg

Audiences take one look at me and just assume I sold my soul to the devil...

"I am like the universe itself; I offer much in the way of phenomena, but nothing of explanation."

I don't make claims, but I do not make disclaims either. I just tell the audience that for the next hour or so we will look at the mysteries of the mind. I let the audience make up their own minds as to whether it is real or not.

I'm a product of the public education system.

:propeller:

I always think it's best to just tell the truth.

I've been struck by lightning 37 times. Once on my birthday.

D.

What I tell them is simply, "what you are about to see is strange. I do very strange things with your mind because it is what I do."

It really leaves it open ended and they can draw there own conclusions. In the end I deliver it always with a somewhat sinister smile and that has been my opening line for many years in my stand up mental act.

Tony

You can even take a non-mentalist twist and claim to be a hypnotist!

Its necessary to FRAME your effects so people have something to latch on to. That is why Derren Brown has created his NLP legend because it is framed in a believable way.

I achieve mind reading not through body language, NLP or all that jazz. I read minds by using seduction techniques (Benji Bruce The Charming Mentalist). I choose the right victim...approach indirectly...enter their spirit...plant seeds of insinuation...etc etc.

Everything revolves around the art of seduction

I just explain to everyone exactly how I achieve everything whenever they ask.

Then I kill them.

I came up with this one a few years back, have you heard of a paralegalist?

LOL! Just Joking.....

Im a scientist, I conduct experiments in esp live, under the guise of entertainment.