MORE ON HYPNOSIS

CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTIZED?

It is generally held that almost any person of average, or above average, intelligence can be hypnotized to some degree or another. In actuality, no opera- tor, no matter how proficient or skilled, ever obtains 100% success. The situation itself may arouse or create psychological barriers that prevent the operator from establishing the necessary rapport. Nevertheless, proper technique and presentation will help eliminate most difficulties.

Since almost everyone is, under ordinary circumstances, suggestible– successful hypnosis is invariably a question of a proper relationship between the operator and his subject(s). This relationship has been defined as one of “Prestige and Faith.” That is to say, the operator must possess sufficient confidence and prestige in the eyes of his subjects, while the latter must have sufficiently firm faith in his ability to influence them. Success in hypnotism depends on the ability to establish and maintain the relationship of prestige and faith.

THE POWER OF SUGGESTION

Suggestion is the basis of hypnosis. It is used to first induce and then, control the hypnotic state. Even in the lightest stage of hypnosis, suggestibility is greatly increased and many remarkable effects can be achieved.

This phenomena is of great interest to the performing hypnotist. Today’s audiences demand fast-paced entertainment. There is little room for long, drawn out hypnotic inductions at the beginning of a show. As a result many hypnotists start their performances with a rapid hypnotic induction to a committee on stage and quickly move on to a series of basic tests. The most “suggestible” persons in the group–those who respond favorably to tests while in the waking state or under light hypnosis–are retained for additional tests and progressively induced into deeper levels of hypnosis.

THE SLEEP METAPHOR

Hypnosis has long been associated with sleep. Indeed, the very word “hypnotism,” is derived from the Greek “hypnos,” meaning “sleep” or “to sleep.” While hypnosis and the concentration it requires is actually closer to the waking state than ordinary sleep, it remains the perfect metaphor and one which people have been conditioned to accept. For the subject, sleep puts the hypnotic experience into a familiar context. For the audience, sleep helps explain the phenomena they are observing on stage. And finally, for the operator, the association of sleep provides a framework for his hypnotic presentation.

LEARNING TO HYPNOTIZE

The single most important attribute for an aspiring hypnotist is “confidence.” If you are an experienced stage performer, your skills of showmanship and ability to take command of an audience will prove invaluable in stage hypnosis. In this field, more than any other, you must be in full control at all times. Any audience perception to the contrary, or hesitation on your part, will have devastating consequences for your performance. Remember, your ability to establish the prestige and faith relationship with subjects is critical to your success.

In this pursuit, there is no substitute for practical experience. Practice as often as possible on the widest range of subjects you can find. If you do not succeed with the first, second or even the twentieth subject, don’t give up! Keep trying. Perseverance is the key. Re-read and rehearse the instructions outlined in the next chapter on “Basic Hypnotic Technique.” With each repetition, your skill and level of confidence will grow until the day comes when you hypnotize your first subject. And rest assured, that day will arrive. Soon after, you will successfully hypnotize a second subject and find that you are now able to influence the majority of people you come in contact with.

Hypnotizing your first subject is always the hardest. As discussed earlier, even the most experienced and competent hypnotist will experience difficulty with various subjects from time to time. Sometimes there are situations and factors which are simply beyond a performer’s control. Just keep in mind, your overall success in hypnotism will depend on the one factor you “can” control–the strength of your presentation. If you present it properly and with a confident tone of voice, you will be well on your way to success in this field.