For Mental Blind spots. I like Devin Knights Color= Stoop test effect Blindsight Outdone

I tried not to as it's worked (and works) for me. However, I may be missing something.

But to be honest......

"...We would like an act very similar to Derren Brown with mind reading/ manipulation as opposed to magic tricks. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate the way the mind works/ how conscious overload can leave people blind to everything else. Full details can be given. Preferably with some humour, again like Derren Brown..."

.......doesn't sound too difficult. But again, I accept that I may be missing something.

I don't know your audience but I would go with:
a Dead or Alive test, of course not dealing with death but choosing the two categories depending of what the company deals with (are they sellers?)
a Lie detector test (with a coin ploy a' la Turner) or, more for stage, like Derren did with the white/black ball in Something wicked... or Waters' Ode to Ekman, and fill whatever you chose with loads of explanations.
Some PWA principles probably is also what they are looking for, so as simple as PS or KK stuff, no need to complicate it.
Peter's "A gift from me to you" if you want to get them involved
If it's not too metaphysical a pulse stop routine to show the power of mind over the body.
If you can, some positive hypnotic inductions, or fake ones if yo think it suits the venue (Fraser)

Lots of possibilities

Thank you guys. I have been ispired by informative web links, routines, suggestions and so much more. I've been contacted by PM and have shared some great ideas. I am in awe of the generosity shown by so many. Thank you, so very much.

I think it might help to learn a bit more about the speaker and the actual material and concepts he is teaching. Sounds like it may be around the concept of multitasking. The human mind is can only process one concept at a time. When people get overloaded with too many tasks, the overhead associated with switching tasks becomes overwhelming. At this point the brain starts to lose track of tasks and the efficiency and productivity of the human brain starts to deteriorate.

Perhaps you could do a memory demonstration (ie, like Osterlind or from Corinda). Seems like you are multitasking and keeping of many bits of information. It seems impossible. In fact, you are processing each bit of information separately before moving on to the next piece of information.

Then for a fun exercise, look up the "multitasking test" and do that. This is not mentalism but it is an eye-opener.

Then explain that anyone can do extraordinary mental tasks if they focus on a single task at a time. Explain that people need slack in their schedule in order to adapt to changing business environment. Then finish with a Magic Square.

Konjurer, you are correct

From email "...In your demonstration we hope you can focus on – a demonstration of thought processes, conscious overload, distraction and mental blind spots.
Your demonstration will link to a presentation on ******** by the founder **** *****. I have requested a summary of his presentation for your information and will forward that in advance of the event..."

I like your ideas, thank you.

Derek

The plot thickens; one of the focal points of the day will be mental impairment due to drug or alcohol abuse. My client would like me to incorporate this theme into the act some how. So I'm going to get blind drunk the night before and forget to turn up for the gig. Seriously though, they keep altering the requirements and time is going on. This is a very bespoke show.

Well, if you're into hypnosis a couple of things could be done, make the subject drunk or make him forget something.
If you're not may I suggest to look into Jermay's work. Then you can alter the patter and stories behind how it suits you.
Anyway, awful client.

Thanks Heka, The client is paying a lot of money so....

These concepts have been a life long fascination and indeed a topic of a Tedx talk I did (24 mins speech with just one trick performed, unfortunately video isn't available ). I'm educated in these areas as they happen to be close to my professional life. I understand they need demonstrations, you run the risk of being viewed as a hack if there're people who are knowledgeable about the concepts who would wonder about how what you're doing is related to the topics. Ideally I'd start by getting educated about them though it will take time which I doubt you have. Fortunately Their exposure to these topics is pretty laymen since they didn't use any of the actual scientific terms.

Good points above. I'll point out addtional guidelines.

I'd make a point of knowing if they're requesting a speech or a performance. A speech would contain more information along with performance pieces to demonstrate the concepts ( demonstrations that preferably are legitimate ). A performance obviously is the other way around.

Another way to look at it is this: You can design the show with the aim of increasing their level of awareness about themselves ( my favorite in all of performance arts, and what our field is most capable of doing ). Are there other speakers talking about similar topics ( life coaches .. etc )? I'd be great to have a general idea about them so you'd tailor the show accordingly.

For tricks, the presentation and narrative is obviously up to you, though you can consider this:

Distractions: demos that shows off how our attention works or rather the lack of it.
Thought Process: Readings, predictions.
Mental Blindspots: Predictions. Also applies for distractions.
Alcohol or drug abuse: Dual reality based effects as hallucinations. Max Krause had an effect in his penguin lectures where 2 specs see apparently things differently using Out to Lunch.

You don't need to tackle each one as long as the atmosphere of the show fits the theme as a whole.

Incidentally I do think mentalists should educate themselves on different disciplines studying the Mind. Faking psychic powersspirit contact used to be the hype in the early days. Today its NLP and body language though New Age mentalism is making a return. Currently though we live in age where science and philosophy of mind are flourishing. Seeing fresh perspectives on themes of magic & mentalism will be very refreshing.

Hope this helps,
- Feras

These are not good clients Derek. you need to put up boundaries. your an entertainer not a counselor. You can't do the above. you should call them speak to them find out the purpose of our spot etc etc....

They sound really confused. Its your job to guide them onto something that will work. Entertainment your not an alcohol or drug counselor. You need to make that clear.

Thanks MindPunisher, I have a telecom arranged with the team leader at 10.30am this morning. I actually have a nice 30 min prepared but we'll see what the outcome of the conversation is. Don't worry I had similar concerns as you have raised and will be discussing them.

I had a 35min telecom with the client. Had a very good briefing and it's all good. Thanks to many of you here on The Café I have an exciting 30 minute spot which covers cognitive blindness, mental impairment through alcohol abuse and overcoming subconscious FAPs (Fixed Action Patterns). Just got a wee bit of work on the scripting to do but I should be good.

Thanks to everyone who posted, PM'd and called me.

Derek

They sound like they know how to party.....are you just going to get ****ed with them? Till you can't stand or see?

LMAO - sounds like the better option

Now the boss is questioning my fee. WTF!!!

So they had my fee right from the start. We discussed the topics for the effects. Not easy. During a very long telecom we discussed the individual routines and how they met the topic criteria. We discussed lighting, stage set, audience layout. We agreed I'd write my show intro. I was to email the client the routine outline, intro and fee. Within 24hrs the project manager was challenging my fee for 2 x 30 minute spots. I explained that I understand that on paper it does appear a lot. However it's not just 2 x 30 minutes. There's a 5 hour round trip to Aberdeen and back. I will be at the event potentially from 12 noon til 4pm. This adds up to a 9 hour day. There has been a substantial number of hours taken to create what are essentially bespoke routines specific to this event. I still need many hours to script and rehearse the full routine in time for the event. Three days later and still no decision has been made. This is a global company within the oil industry worth around $180 000 Million. Now it's the weekend, still waiting - I'm just a tad pi$$ed off.

Its not worth it just dump them. They will never be happy and you will struggle to get paid.

Its not about an hourly rate. you are an Entertainer not one of their employees.

They are the clients from hell.

I would have dumped them by now.

Call me old-fashioned, but I wouldn't think the "dump and run" is going to be particularly good for your reputation if they are as big as you say. No news is good news, as they say. Maybe they will come through. If they don't, let them dump you, not the other way around. It's Dale Carnegie 101.

I'm holding tight. I have been assured they will get back to me as soon a possible. They sure won't find anyone else to take this one on.