If you watch some hypnotists perform on stage, you will notice that they are all colorful characters.
They are bright, loud, and enthusiastic.
I am sure there are exceptions to this rule. Maybe some of them take on a dull, dull personality … and still succeed. Who knows.
But it is a firm generalization:
Stage hypnotists are at least a little quirky.
But why?
“That’s easy, William,” you say. “They’re entertainers! Personalities like that are entertaining!”
Safe.
I’m not going to say it’s wrong, because it’s not. But comedians are entertainers. And, yes, many of them are maniacal, eccentric rambling …
However, many of them are not.
Some comedians are dry, cynical, low-key, even gloomy, and still succeed.
For stage hypnotists, being entertaining is essential … but only part of it.
Here’s the real scoop:
Emotional states are contagious. That is why everyone avoids people who always complain and complain about everything. Everyone healthy avoids them, at least. Toxic people and social predators flock to them … but not because they enjoy their company.
On the other hand, have you ever met someone who is genuinely grateful for life?
I don’t mean someone who writes “be grateful!” on a Post-It and sticks it on his mirror. I mean someone who is grateful without even having to think about it.
It is a real pleasure to have you around.
Enthusiasm is also contagious madness. I hear this from parents all the time. They’re doing something overwhelmingly boring … but because your child is excited, in the way that only kids can be, they get carried away with the moment.
They too start to have fun, although they would hate doing it alone.
This is why stage hypnotists perform with such enthusiasm – it is one of the most common and underrated forms of influence.
Being so bright and bubbly, you feel that way too.
Maybe not as much as they do, but it’s okay. Even a 1% increase in your enjoyment makes a difference.
Partly because when you have fun, you are more open and suggestible.
Partly because it sets a precedent.
Because you followed suit emotionally, you are more likely to follow suit in the future. Following a suggestion makes you more suggestible, even if that suggestion is completely non-verbal.
Many staged hypnosis routines start out with a lot of publicity. Loud music, flashing lights, an excited MC telling you to get ready for the next awesome routine …
Even before they leave, the hypnosis has already begun.