Magic Tricks

Once again, Richard Osterlind has provided a valuable lesson for mentalists. Numerous great mentalists, such as Kreskin, use hypnosis in their performances. Richard demonstrated how it could be used with respect for the participants and still be entertaining for an audience. He suggested a valuable reference, The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism by Ormond McGill, available at Amazon. This lecture is a solid introduction to the hypnosis and suggestion. For those comments suggesting that Richard teach a specific technique, there are some important aspects they do not understand. First, demonstrating how to hypnotize someone may cause members of the audience to actually become hypnotized. Second, Richards lesson on hypnosis will be viewed by an international audience. Many countries limit what can be broadcast during a hypnosis demonstration. For example, here is the relevant regulation that British television must follow: "Elements of the hypnotist's routine may be broadcast to set the scene. However, it is important not to broadcast the routine in its entirety, nor to broadcast elements that may cause a member of the audience to believe they are being influenced in some way."

Richard's approach was to provide a meaningful introduction that demonstrated how hypnosis could be used respectfully and entertainingly. For specific techniques he provided a valuable reference. Taken together, this lesson is well worth its modest price and your valuable time.