The Pseudo Hypnosis Effect. The “Pseudo-Hypnosis” effect creates the illusion that you have “hypnotized” someone to find lifting another person suddenly much harder, simply by using suggestive language and subtle mechanics.
The Pseudo Hypnosis Effect
Effect Summary
- Initial Lift: You ask a male participant to lift a female participant by placing his hands under her armpits. He does so with ease.
- Pseudo-Hypnosis: After waving your hand in front of his face and offering a suggestion, you ask him to try lifting her again.
- Increased Difficulty: This time, with a small change in positioning, the man finds it more challenging to lift her, which seems like the result of hypnosis.
Method and Key Points
Mechanics and Positioning
- First Lift (Easy):
- Ask the participants to stand close together, so the man’s arms are bent when he lifts her. This position allows him to engage his muscles more effectively, making the lift easier.
- Pseudo-Hypnotic Suggestion:
- After the initial lift, step between them and perform a simple “hypnosis” routine. Wave your hand in front of the man’s face and say, “Close your eyes for a moment.”
- Use a low, confident tone and say, “In a moment, you will try to lift her again. This time, you’ll find it much more difficult.” This language plants the idea of difficulty without suggesting complete failure.
- The Second Lift (Difficult):
- Before the second lift, guide the participants to stand twice as far apart as they were initially. This subtle change requires the man to extend his arms more, which increases the difficulty of the lift due to the altered leverage.
- Because his arms are now more extended, he has to exert more effort, even if he can still lift her. The perceived difficulty will seem to match the “hypnosis” suggestion.
Performance Tips
- Power of Suggestion:
- Use strong, confident language to reinforce the idea that lifting her again will indeed be more difficult. Subtle pauses and direct eye contact can enhance the effect.
- Maintain Ambiguity:
- Use vague wording like, “You’ll find it much more difficult,” rather than saying he won’t be able to lift her. This way, whether he struggles or only lifts her with more effort, both outcomes fit the suggestion.
- Body Language and Timing:
- Maintain a calm and focused demeanor throughout the routine to create an atmosphere of “hypnosis.” Emphasize your role in making it seem as though his added difficulty comes solely from your suggestion.
- Encourage Belief:
- After the second lift, express amazement at the result, reinforcing the spectator’s belief that something unusual has happened due to “hypnosis.”
Final Thoughts
This effect combines suggestion and simple mechanics to create a convincing illusion of hypnosis. By using precise language and positioning, you can lead the participant to believe that their increased difficulty is due to a hypnotic suggestion rather than a physical change, making for a powerful psychological effect
