I'm sure this has come up before but...

You are at an event and tell someone you are a mind reader/menatlist.

They say, "Great... What am I thinking right now..."

You say...". "

I'm sure humor works best but would love to hear how you guys handle this obvious comment that comes up constantly.

Thanks

It never comes up for me. I call myself an illusionist. I've managed to avoid having people ever ask me serious questions about their lives or personal problems.

I don't envy those who place themselves in the position of having to deal with that.

There's zero ambiguity in my performances. I don't do private readings. I maintain a skeptical attitude throughout my routines and it's all framed as magic/illusion.

If someone jokes around with me and tries to catch me out, they're usually ALWAYS trying to be the centre of attention in front of a group of friends, by showing me up. So I'll answer it with: "You're thinking 'I hope he can't tell that I'm cheating on my wife.'"

"Great... What am I thinking right now..."

'That I'm full of ****"

Peter Turner has a fantastic reply to this question that is genius.

Not mine to share, sorry.

Maybe it will be on his new DVD.
That's just speculation, I don't have any inside info.

Steve

Roy Zaltsman shared one with the attendees at MindVention that was hilarious, but again, not mine to share further.

Because I am a reader, not a mentalists, I either remind them that I'm not a mimd reader, or I honestly give an answer as to any issues I sense they have, typically the latter, though in a very of-hand way. "I'm not a mind reader, but I get a sense of ..." It gets past the joke and leaves the conversation open.

I know there has been some controversy over the book, but I like using Luke Jermay's idea from his "From the Notebooks vol. 1"

I don't call myself a "mind reader." I use "mentalist," which usually gets the person to ask what that is, which gives me the opportunity to define the parameters of how I will proceed.

I have a response when they ask 'what am I thinking right now', but it happens very rarely, because generally I would never introduce myself as a mentalist. I try to avoid giving myself any title, rather through what I do, I try to get them to reach the conclusion.

I let them know that for mind reading to occur, I have to have some shared basis of experience with my subject and I have to take a moment to get to know and develop some connection with them.

I then take a moment to cultivate the relationship and then move into something from "The Prodigal". As Peter Turner points out, the result is something that is far more meaningful to them because it is more personally relevant to them. It is something that they won't ever forget.

This approach also establishes a baseline for how I do things moving forward that is both credible and logical.

Before you hit the road and take money you should already have an answer. How do you answer agents and prospects? Gotta say something.

You're thinking I can't tell you what you're thinking.

I don't miss a beat, look them straight in the eye and say, very dryly and seriously:
"I see curiosity, anticipation, skepticism and.. oh, humour."
(C.A.S.H)

"OK" Puts hand to temple. "Hmmmm." Pause. "Hmmmmmm." Shakes head. "Sorry, I'm not picking up any anything. Nothing at all. Just sort of like white noise--with an echo."

@Quicknotist, your response is excellent and along the lines of a reply that I use that was inspired by Kenton and his wonderful Wonder Words.

His approach has to do with empathizing with them and confirming the thoughts they are likely having already. Great stuff as you simply have to; put yourself into that person's 'shoes' for a minute and also think how you would react if someone told you they were a mind reader.

I have an approach when asked what it is exactly that I do which, I think, navigates the 'what am I thinking now?' minefield pretty well.

I just ask them to focus on what they are holding, seeing, smelling, feeling at that time. As they start to do this I am explaining that their mind processes thousands of different pieces of information at any given second, along with a heap of thoughts...

I explain that in order to achieve anything WE must be properly focused, I then ask them to take 3 deep breaths and visualize. (I've said too much already (thanks JF))

They are then in a frame of mind to accept my premise, which follows the introduction.

Aw

This is a very simple response, that always works for me. Because anyone who phrases a question in such a manner, is thinking exactly that.

Some great material and info here folks - but honestly I think you are all full of ****

Seriously though, many thanks as this is really useful stuff.

Here's a line that's a worker and always got a good laugh...

"Oh, I was in there earlier...dirty little mind this one"

In a way, it's a compliment and a put a down. Just be prepared to go into an effect right away to move away from the spectators accusations.

Best answer by far in my opinion. Love it and thanks for sharing.

Best,
Sean