Majhra, Shrink, TruthML... et al

Superb use of linguistic deception - cunning. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Jack

On stage among a large audience only so many people in the audience will be able to 'lock hands',similar in a way to psychological forcing a given colour etc..you cannot expect it to work with everyone.those who do 'lock' are therefore asked onto the stage.
good luck.
hmk

Hi, Brent.

First, I would agree very strongly with Lee.

Second, and what nobody else has mentioned, is that what you do BEFORE hypnosis is as important, or more so, than what you do to hypnotize.

If you say "I've been studying hypnosis for a bit and I'd like to try something," people will think you are an amateur, someone playing at hypnosis, and not pay close attention to what you are saying.

If you say, "I have been a student of hypnosis for many year, am certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists (the largest such organization in the world) and have demonstrated hypnosis to thousands of people," your audience will pay close attention.

As Blair said, the handlock is on a fundamental level of hypnosis. With training you should be able to get most people--especially in a group--to do this. Also, after you have made suggestions that the arms are firmly in place and the hands are glued together, etc., when you suggest separation, be sure to use the word "try" (as Shrink pointed out). The word try implies potential failure. Feed that with sayings like "No matter how hard you try, know that you can't pull them apart until you are sure you can't pull them apart." This seeming nonsense is a double bind (they can't pull them apart until they're sure they can't pull them apart) that confuses the mind and makes it easier to stay in the current position.

Be sure to release the suggestion ("And now relax, allow your hands to separate as you return to normal").

Also, the tone of voice is important. As you build up, increase the intensity and tension in your voice (not the volume). This will help, too.

Keep practicing--you'll get it!

Don...certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and the American Board of Hypnotherapy