Stage Hypnosis

This is the entertainment side of hypnosis. Again it is a profession all to it’s self. It requires skill and showmanship and is not for the introvert. Though this use of hypnosis has been responsible for many myths or misconceptions. It certainly can be credited with bringing about the  popularity of instant and rapid inductions.

Here we are going to touch on it briefly, so you can have some fun at a party or similar situation, assuming you have reached the desired level of competence.

A word of warning:

Don’t attempt stage hypnosis without being confident in dealing with any abreaction that may occur without warning. Such a scenario will end your reputation overnight. Also check out the laws regarding hypnosis, for your area. Public demonstrations, especially for money can have their legal restrictions. Do not hypnotize those with a physiological or psychological condition, that may be affected by being hypnotized. Always have the safety and respect of those involved.

First allay any fears and misconceptions. Do some suggestibility tests and pick the most suggestible (somnambulists) Those that follow your suggestion and have the greatest response. Ask them if they want to experience hypnosis and have some fun. Those that agree, have already given you the hypnotic contract. Hypnotise with the Elman induction, or use rapid/instant inductions on those that are highly suggestible in the suggestibility tests. Do what you are most confident with. The stage environment and expectation usually guarantees hypnosis easily.

Remember you have to be confident and they have to believe in your ability as a hypnotist. They know what they are getting themselves into at such events and are more than likely extrovert people (not shy). You are already over half way there. Expectation and a belief that they will be hypnotised makes your life easier. Tell them that for the period of the show, that they are to make your suggestions their absolute reality.

Some say to their subjects, that only those with a great IQ can be hypnotized and that those that lack in intelligence cannot. This sets them up to comply. For the stubborn individual they are asked to comply off mic. They are usually asked to be the center of the show for some money later.

Periodically deepen your volunteers, whilst referring to them by name or touch to carry out a skit (A little performance). Tell them what you want them to do and ask them to open their eyes and do it, when you snap your fingers. Those that do not comply, just dismiss saying that not everyone is successful on the first occasion for many reasons and that they will do great next time.

Start of with basic tasks and increase the difficulty as they get conditioned to respond. Those that fail to respond to simple skits, such as feeling changes in temperature, they are not focused and are not following your suggestions Dismiss them politely by saying thank you for coming up,

It’s usually best to put on the appropriate music and say Sing “As if ” they were? (It’s easier to pretend ‘as if’, than to actually be that person in their mind) when it comes to famous people. Props help the subject to role play better.

Remember they have to accept the suggestion to do it. If you make it sound unacceptable to them. They will not do it. Treat your subjects with respect. Remove each suggestion from the subject before you give them another.

On completion of the show be extra safe and remove all suggestions and count them out of trance.

Example skits (scenarios) being:

(touching subject) Alright when I count from 1-3 and snap my fingers you will open your eyes, it will be as if you are …( Insert suggestion)

Drunk on water

Stuck to the chair

Cannot get up from the chair

Feet stuck to the floor

Cannot see the hypnotist

No clothes on

Breaking wind

Fishing

Be a stripper

Be a famous singer

x-ray glasses

Laugh at the funniest joke ever

(Use your imagination to come up with many other skits.)

Tagged as: Stage-hypnosis