Stage Hypnosis - Pradeep Aggarwal

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STAGE HYPNOSIS THE COMPLETE HYPNOTIC ACT BY: PRADEEP AGGARWAL INSTITUTE OF MIND CONTROL & DEVELOPMENT #503, Sai Homes, 6-6-168/1, Lakdi Ka Pool, Hyderabad AP, India Tel: 040.666 20 294 / 95 Website: http://www.pradeepaggarwal.com Email: [email protected] All Rights Reserved

Transcript of Stage Hypnosis - Pradeep Aggarwal

S T A G E

H Y P N O S I S T H E C O M P L E T E

H Y P N O T I C A C T

BY:

PRADEEP AGGARWAL

INSTITUTE OF MIND CONTROL &

DEVELOPMENT #503, Sai Homes, 6-6-168/1, Lakdi Ka Pool, Hyderabad

AP, India

Tel: 040.666 20 294 / 95

Website: http://www.pradeepaggarwal.com

Email: [email protected]

All Rights Reserved

There are actually two acts in this book, one which concentrates on comedy, and the other, which

has been the most successful one for me, which is based on the use of a single prop to create a

thread with which to hold the show together as a unit. Naturally, you can use either act as it stands,

or you might want to combine some of the ideas from each. Then again, you might find it better just

to use these as a basis to form your own show around, but at least it will point the direction in which

to go.

Learning the art of hypnosis is a relatively simple matter. However, putting together a substantial

hypnotic act is another problem entirely. This is not a text-book of methods, there are many of those

available. I will tell you about the methods that I use, because that is part of the act, but I am mostly

interested in explaining exactly how I perform the act, the tests that I have found to be well

accepted, and the build to a strong close.

The prop that I use is a man’s walking stick ...... not just a plain cane, but a distinctive stick which

will catch the eye of your audience. You will notice how this one prop becomes the center of

interest during the act, and at the end is used to create havoc on your stage. I’m sure that other one

prop acts can be worked out, and it might be interesting to see what you can develop along these

lines.

The secret to becoming a successful hypnotist is twofold. First, learn the methods used to induce

hypnosis. Methods are, after all, the tools of the trade. Second, and even more important, believe in

your ability. With this belief, the confidence that you inspire in others will spell the difference

between success and failure. For this reason, you will not hypnotize the members of your family

easily ....... they know you too well, but the person to whom you have just been introduced as “the

world’s greatest hypnotist” is as ready a subject as you’ll ever find. I have met people who, upon

hearing that I’m a hypnotist, refuse to look directly into my eyes. What great subjects these people

would make, but unfortunately, they are too involved with the old superstition of the “evil eye”.

The hypnotic act can be performed for any size audience, and will work just as well in someone’s

living room as it does in a cabaret or theatre. It requires no preparation, other than to line up a few

chairs in the area in which you will be working.

Music isn’t necessary in a private home, but do use it in a theatre or cabaret to bring you on, and

again at the close, to signify the end of the show. Since music is not an integral part of the act, you

won’t need arrangements. Pick out some nice standard song that all musicians know. Use common

sense here ...... they may not know the Lullaby from Katchaturian’s “Gayne Ballet Suite”, but

“Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey” is hardly conducive to the hypnotic act. Be sure to tell the

musicians at what point in the act they are to play the closing music. Let them know your actual

closing lines so that there will be no confusion. Also, let them know what your last test will be so

that they will be prepared in plenty of time.

Once you are on the stage, there will be people in the audience ready to be hypnotized. You have

been hired to perform, therefore you must be accomplished, their confidence in you will have

already started. During your introductory remarks, you are going to do two things. First, you are

going to build on this confidence and strengthen their belief in you by showing them how much you

know about the subject. The second thing you will do is observe. Watch your audience and start to

mentally select those who you feel will be the best subjects. Since you must watch them be sure

that, in a cabaret or theatre, the house lights are up so that you will be able to see them.

In your introductory remarks, you will answer most of the questions that will be on the minds of the

audience. The opening talk is placed here in bold face. Don’t memorize it, but do learn it and then

put your own personality into what you say.

Good evening ........ tonight we are going to explore one of the greatest mysteries of all times

....... hypnosis. At one time, hypnosis was thought to be black magic. Today, it is a scientifically

accepted fact, and its use is becoming more and more prevalent among doctors, dentists and

psychiatrists.

There have been many superstitions and old wives’ tales concerning hypnosis and, perhaps

tonight, we can dispel some of these thoughts.

I am often asked if anyone can be hypnotized. I would say ALMOST anyone ........ some, of

course, faster than others, but no one can be hypnotized against his will. Hypnosis depends on

full co-operation between the hypnotist and his subject. If you do not follow the suggestions,

you can not be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a state of mind in which ideas will be accepted readily.

By following my suggestions, your mind is saying that it is willing to be hypnotized, and will

accept any further ideas that I may give it.

No one will do anything under hypnosis that they would not ordinarily do. Any command

given by a hypnotist that is alien to your thinking, or against your principles, will be

immediately rejected.

Many people think that in order to be hypnotized you must have a weak will ....... just the

opposite is the truth. Since hypnosis depends on concentration, the person with the stronger

mind will be the better subject.

Hypnosis is a state of unconsciousness, similar to sleep, during which time the hypnotist can

talk directly to the sub-conscious mind.

That is what hypnosis is ..... but what can hypnosis do? It can give the mind the ability to do,

or not do, what is suggested to it, and the mind controls the body. This may be hard to accept

at first, but I think I can prove it to you by using a wooden board. Imagine that I had such a

board, one foot wide and ten feet long, and it were here on the floor in front of me. I’m sure

that every one of you could walk across it from one end to the other with no trouble ....... but

suppose I took that same board and suspended it between two buildings 100 feet in the air,

and asked you to walk across it. Most of you would probably refuse to do it. Others might try

to crawl across it on their hands and knees holding on for dear life. It’s the same board .......

only its placement is different, but the new placement SUGGESTS the possibility of falling,

and your mind accepts that suggestion. Such is the power of suggestion. If we could learn to

control our bodies through the use of our minds, we would be capable of doing things we

never thought possible.

Take something as simple as relaxation. Many people think they know how to relax, but do

they really? Let me show you what I mean. I’d like each of you to hold your left hand up in front of your chest like this. (Hold your left hand up to demonstrate this to the audience. Your

hand should be held flat.) Now, place your right forefinger against the palm to form the letter

“T”. (Again, demonstrate this for the audience.)

Relax the left hand and arm completely ..... let the arm go limp so that it is being supported

only by your right forefinger. I will count to three ........ on the count of three, I want you to drop your right hand to your lap very quickly. (At this point, put your hands back to your sides

in a normal position.) Remember, let your left arm go limp, and on the count of three, drop

your right hand. Ready” ..... one ..... two ..... THREE ...... if your left hand is still up in the air,

you were not relaxed. If it were truly relaxed, the left hand would have dropped when the support was removed. (During this, you should have looked around to see whose hands dropped.

This will give you the first indication as to which ones will be good subjects.)

Now, you are actually going to get subjects before they realized that they are going to be

hypnotized. Let me show you one more test ...... this time, in concentration. The better your

degree of concentration, the better this test will work. I’d like you to put one hand

comfortably on your lap, so that you can stare at the back of your wrist. Keep staring at the

wrist. You may notice a slight tingling sensation in that hand. Now, the hand begins to feel

light .... it gets lighter and lighter and begins to lift into the air ...... lighter ..... lighter ..... much

lighter ...... it floats higher and higher ...... very, very light ..... much lighter ...... it floats still

higher ....... lighter and lighter ........

What you are actually doing is hypnotizing the entire audience. Of course, not everyone’s hand will

rise into the air, but a surprisingly large number will. Again, this is the time to watch your audience.

The people whose hands dropped in the first test, and whose hands are now floating, are the ones

who will be your best subjects. Subconsciously, they are telling you that they want to be hypnotized

and want you to call on them as subjects. All during this observation, keep droning your instructions

to them. The voice should now be a calm, quiet monotone. Any change in your voice now might be

disastrous. If it gets too loud, or too commanding, they may become frightened and back off. On the

other hand, as you progress, your suggestions should become firmer. The difference between firm

and commanding is a slight one, but it could mean a great deal to the success of the act.

Now, you carry it forward a step further, and tell them ....... the hand floats higher and higher .....

when your wrist touches your forehead, you will fall into a deep sleep ..... when your wrist

touches your forehead, you will fall into a deep, deep sleep ..... higher and higher ...... lighter

and lighter ....... when your wrist touches your forehead, you will fall into a deep, deep sleep

............

In a short while, you will have some people who are asleep, some whose hands are still floating, but

have not yet reached their foreheads, and others whose hands are still in their laps. This last group

will have no good subjects in it, but they will be fascinated watching those around them who are

going under.

When you have some who are asleep, remember who they are and say ..... I will count to three .....

on the count of three, your hand will drop to your lap and you’ll be wide awake ..... on the

count of three, your hand will drop back into your lap and you’ll be wide awake feeling well

and relaxed and happy ...... one ....... two ...... THREE ..... wide awake!

At this point, there might be a slight murmur throughout the audience. A little nervous laughter,

some shifting around in their seats and the like is to be expected. Even to the skeptics, you have

proven your point ....... you are a hypnotist! You didn’t work with just a few people on the stage

who might be stooges. Those who followed your suggestions made up the largest part of your

audience!

This is the time to get your subjects up on the stage, while they are still at peak interest ..... I am

going to ask now for a few volunteers ...... I can assure you that you will not be embarrassed in

any way, but rather, will find it a most interesting experience ..... how about that young lady? Will you join me please? ..........Gesture to one person who was a good subject. Very often, no one

wants to be the first to volunteer, but once you have one, the rest will follow. I start with a girl,

because she will not be as prone to refuse as a man might. As she starts to come up, I look towards a

second person and ask ..... How about you? ....... This one can hardly refuse, now that the first

person has agreed. Keep this line of questioning up, picking out the ones that you want. These are

not really volunteers in the true sense of the word, but it does serve the purpose of getting the best

subjects to work with, and eliminating those who might be trouble makers. If they refuse, just pass

them by and go to another. Also, don’t take anyone who is too old, nor anyone who is too young. If

you keep them between the ages of 20 and 50, you will have plenty to work with.

As each person comes up, smile at them, shake their hand, and thank them for coming up. They may

have confidence in your ability as a performer, now you want them to have confidence in you as a

person. You must realize that these people are going to be nervous about being in front of an

audience, and apprehensive about what is going to happen to them while on stage. It is up to you to

help put these people at ease. A winning smile and a warm, friendly handshake is the best way to do

this.

Also, ask each one to have a seat as they come up, and direct each to a seat by number starting with

number one. This way, there will be no confusion or milling around on the stage which might

detract from what you are doing. Your show must, at all times, have a look of professionalism.

Your stage is now set. All, or most, of the chairs are filled with subjects, and the audience is anxious

to see what you are going to do. The next few words are directed to the audience ..... These people

have been kind enough to come up here and assist me ... with their help, I think that what you

will see in the next few moments will be interesting, entertaining and certainly most

enlightening ..... come along with use into the mysterious land of hypnosis.

The opening talk concluded, you are now ready to start the show. On stage are a number of hand-

picked subjects ready to do your bidding. Don’t let them get cold ...... go right to work on them. This

time, you’ll put them under with direct eye contact. Go to the first person on the audience’s left and

have that person stare directly into your eyes. However, don’t you look into his eyes. Instead, just

stare at the bridge of his nose. This gives you a more penetrating look. As you do this, give the

commands ....... Your eyes are very heavy ..... too heavy to keep open .... close your eyes ........

sleep ........deep asleep ........ as you say this, pass your hand down over his eyes. Don’t touch the

eyes, just make your pass in front of them. Do this quickly, and go from one person to the next until

you come to the end of the row. Most of them will be asleep. One or two may be pretending, but

don’t worry about them. They’re on stage, they’re nervous, and they’re not sure of what to expect,

so they will go along with whatever you say.

Here is a little subtle trick to help during the direct eye contact. I learned this purely by accident

....... wear glasses! I wear them normally, and I had gotten into the habit of taking them off when I

asked them to stare into my eyes. I did this only because I thought it would be easier for them to see

my eyes, but I later realized that they were accepting this as an indication of my power. So, if you

don’t wear glasses, get a pair of impressive frames with plain glass in them and use them to their

best advantage.

TEST 1

They are now ready for the first test, and use this with all of them at the same time. I want each of

you to extend your right arm straight out in front of you ....... it begins to grow stiff ..... stiffer ......stiffer ...... solid as a bar of steel ....... as rigid as this cane that I’m holding ........ As you

speak to them, go quickly from one to another and stroke each arm gently from the shoulder to the

wrist. Keep the commands going all this time ...... You cannot bend your arm ..... you can NOT

bend your arm .... try to bend it ...... you cannot ....... it’s stiff ....... you cannot bend it ....... and

the more you try to bend it, the deeper asleep you will go ....... the more you try to bend it, the deeper asleep you will go ....... During this, they will be trying to bend their arms, but the arm will

remain stiff. Don’t let this last too long. Just long enough to let the audience know that they are

following your commands. All right ..... relax .... now you can bend your arm ...... let your arm

relax ...... put your hand in your lap and relax ..... from now on, you will hear nothing but the

sound of my voice ..... you will hear nothing but the sound of my voice ....... and as I speak, you

will go deeper and deeper asleep .....

Now is the time to go into your individual tests. So far, the cane has only been mentioned. Now,

you’ll start to use it in every test.

TEST 2

You are going to work with individuals, so let them know this ..... When I touch your shoulder

and give you a number, you will open your eyes ...... you will remain asleep, but you will open your eyes ..... you will do this only when I touch your shoulder and give you a number ..... The

number that you give them, naturally, corresponds with the number of the seat in which that person

is sitting, counting from the audience’s left. Let us assume that you are going to use the person in

the fifth seat for this. Go to him, place your hand on his shoulder, and say ...... You are in the fifth

seat, so you are number five ..... open your eyes, but remain asleep ...... deep asleep ..... As soon

as he opens his eyes, say to him ..... Deep asleep ...... stand up ...... remain deep asleep and stand

up ..... Help him to stand by placing your hand under his elbow, and walk him a few steps forward.

Hand the cane to him so that he will take it with one hand at about the center ..... Take this cane

and hold it ...... your fingers close tightly around the cane ..... tighter and tighter ...... so tight

that you can’t let go of the cane ...... you can NOT let go of the cane ...... try to throw it down

....... you cannot ....... you cannot let go of the cane ........ After he has tried to throw it down ,

continue with ...... All right ...... relax ...... your fingers are relaxing now ....... now, you can let go

of the cane ...... Take the cane by one end and say .... You can let go of the cane now ..... open

your hand and let go of the cane ...... When he does, lead him back to his seat.

This was, of course, a test in muscle control. You’ll notice that the command was negated.

Whenever a command is given, always give a counter-command to bring things back to normal. It

may never amount to anything, but if someday he needs a cane, it could be uncomfortable in his

hand. For this reason, any command that you give, always make things right before you continue

with something else. From here, proceed to the next test, which is a mild form of hallucination.

TEST 3

In the same manner as before, have one of the subjects open his eyes and stand up. Again, hand the

cane to him so that he will take it with one hand at about the center ...... Hold the cane ..... as you

hold it, you will notice that it begins to get warm ......... the cane gets warmer and warmer ........

very, very warm ....... now, it starts to get hot ...... hotter ...... hotter ...... very hot ....... so hot

that you can’t hold it ....... it’s too hot to hold ...... let it go ...... it’s too hot to hold ..... open your hand and let it go ....... As soon as he drops it to the floor, say ....... All right ...... sit down ......

When he’s back in his seat ..... Close your eyes ....... relax ....... deep asleep ...... the cane is all right ...... it’s not hot anymore ....... relax ...... sleep ...... With the cane on the floor, proceed right

to the next test.

TEST 4

This is another test in muscle control, although it may not look like it. Again, have the subject open

his eyes and stand ...... You can see the cane on the floor ..... you can walk as far as the cane, but

you cannot step over it...... you can NOT step over it ....... there is an invisible wall there, and

you cannot step over the cane....... try to step over it ..... you can’t ....... you cannot step over it....... After he has tried to step over the cane and failed, you negate the command .... All right ........

the wall is gone now ...... you can step over the cane very easily ...... now you can step over it

...... go ahead ...... step over the cane ...... When he has stepped over it, return the subject to his seat

and go on to the next test.

TEST 5

These next two tests are also based on muscle control. Bring the subject forward using the same

method as before, and have him extend his arms out in front of him with his hands palms up. Place

the cane so that it lies across the palms of both hands ....... As you hold the cane, you’ll notice that

it begins to grow heavy ......... heavier and heavier ...... much heavier ......... it’s growing so

heavy, that you can hardly hold it ......... it’s very, very heavy ....... put it down on the ground ....... it’s too heavy to hold ....... put it down, because it’s too heavy to hold ..... When he puts it

down, keep him there and go right to next test .......

TEST 6

This is basically a continuation of the last test. Have the subject who is already there stand off to one

side and bring up another subject. Direct this to the new subject ..... The cane on the floor has

grown so heavy, that no one can pick it up ....... try to pick it up ....... you cannot ..... it is too

heavy to pick up ........ in fact, it’s so heavy, that both of you together can’t pick it up ........ both

of you try ....... you can NOT pick up the cane ...... Let them struggle with it for a while. This can

create a lot of amusement for the audience. It really looks funny to see two grown people unable to

pick up a very light object. After they have tried for a while, negate the command ....... All right ......

now you can pick it up ...... it’s not heavy any more ...... now you can pick it up very easily ........ Take the cane from them, and return both subjects to their seats.

TEST 7

This is the last test in which muscle control is the main factor. Have the subject standing at the

center of the stage with his eyes open and hold the cane so that, under normal conditions, he could

reach out and grasp the end of the cane. This time, however, he will not be able to do so .... You can

see the end of the cane, but you cannot touch it ....... you cannot grasp the end of the cane ......

you can try to grasp it, but you cannot ........ you can NOT grasp the end of the cane ..... try ....... you cannot grasp it ......... you cannot grasp the end of the cane ...... This will also get quite

a few laughs from the audience. For some reason, it looks ludicrous to see a person unable to touch

the end of the cane. Now, as before, negate the command ...... All right ....... now you can grasp

the end of the cane ...... now your hand can touch it ...... go ahead, grasp the cane ...... Return

the subject to his seat.

By this time, you will have worked with the majority of your subjects. They are well into your

hypnotic control and are ready for hallucinatory illusions.

TEST 8

Go to one of your subjects, but this time, he can remain seated. You will now create the illusion

before he opens his eyes ...... I am going to have you open your eyes ....... when you open them,

you will see a beautiful lake in front of you ...... open your eyes, and you will see a beautiful

lake ..... the lake is filled with fish and you would really like to go fishing .... think of how nice it would be to go fishing ...... His eyes are now open and he can see the lake. Hand him the cane as

you say ....... Here is your fishing rod ....... it’s a very nice rod ........ now, you can go fishing .......

bait your hook first ..... bait your hook and then you can fish ....... now, cast into that beautiful

lake ....... cast into the lake and see if you can catch a fish ....... there ...... I think you have a bite

...... you have a bite now ........ quickly ....... reel it in ...... reel in the fish so that he doesn’t get

away ...... isn’t that a beautiful fish ....... it’s quite a large fish ...... take it off the hook and hold

it up so that every one can see it ....... I’ll take the rod back now ...... let me have the rod .......

Take the cane away from him ...... Now, put the fish on the floor in front of you .... put the fish

down ..... close your eyes and sleep ..... the lake is gone now, and everything is just as it was

before ......

Notice how he was taken step by step through the entire hallucination. You just can’t tell him to “go

fishing” and expect him to do the whole thing by himself. Anything that you want him to do, such as

baiting the hook, or reeling in the fish, must come from you in the form of a command.

At this point, wake up the entire group ...... I am going to count to three ..... on the count of three,

you will all wake up ....... you will wake up feeling happy, relaxed, and better than you have

felt in a long time ...... on the count of three, you will all wake up ....... one ...... two ........

THREE ...... wide awake .......

TEST 9

This is the first of two post-hypnotic suggestions. Go to one of the subjects that you found to be

best, and by using eye contact, put him under once more ....... In a few seconds, I am going to

wake you up ........ when you are awake, you will be able to see the cane, but you will not see

me ...... I will be invisible and you will not be able to see me, but you will see the cane floating

around ..... when the cane points directly at you, you will fall back into a deep, deep sleep ......

when the cane points directly at you, you will immediately fall into a deep sleep ....... on the

count of three, you will wake up ....... one ....... two ...... THREE ...... wide awake ...... At this

point, he will not be able to see you at all. The look of amazement on his face when he sees the cane

apparently floating around in space is extremely interesting. After a short while, point the cane

directly at him with the command ...... sleep ...... deep asleep ....... and he will fall back into a deep

sleep. As before, negate the command, and wake him up once more.

TEST 10

This is the last test in the act, and it really creates havoc on the stage. This first is directed to the

audience ...... The earliest piece of magic that we know about is mentioned in the Bible ......... in

it, it says that Aaron cast down his rod and it became a serpent ..... with the help of my

subjects, I will re-create that moment in time once again .......

Turn to your subjects and ask if anyone has a morbid fear of snakes. If so, do not use that person in

this test. Remember, you are there to entertain, not create traumas. With this out of the way, go to

each one and put them under with eye contact. By now, this should only take a few seconds, because

they are all well conditioned ....... In a few seconds, I will wake you up ...... when I drop the cane

to the ground, it will turn into a serpent .....when I drop the cane, it will turn into a serpent

....... when I pick the serpent up, it will turn back into a cane and you will go back to sleep .....

when I pick it up, it will turn back into a cane and you will all go back into a deep sleep ..... on the count of three, you will all wake up ....... one ...... two ...... THREE ..... wide awake ....... Turn

to the audience and place the tip of the cane on the ground as you would normally ....... You have

seen hypnosis in various stages, now you will see a single hallucination formed in the minds of a group of people at the same time ....... Let go of the upper part of the cane so that it will drop

away from you. As soon as it hits the stage, your entire group of subjects will see it as a snake. Let

this go on for a few seconds so that the audience can see the different reactions of those on the stage

with you. As soon as you think it has gone long enough, pick up the cane, and at the same time, in a

loud voice, command ..... Sleep!....... The group will immediately drop into a deep sleep. Wake them

up once more with suggestions of well being, happiness and complete wakefulness.

Dismiss your subjects and have them return to their seats in the audience. As they leave the stage,

ask the audience for applause for the group of subjects. After all, they are as important to your show

as you are.

Now, for your closing remarks ....... Ladies and gentlemen ..... you have witnessed one of the

greatest mysteries of all times ..... hypnosis ...... it has been known and used since the time of

primitive man, and is being used and studied even more today ...... as we learn more about it,

who knows what wonderful things the human mind will eventually be able to accomplish ........

thank you, and good night ........

Take your closing bow, and walk off to well earned applause.

ACT 2

This is the second act, and as I stated before, this one is based on comedy tests. In print, some of

these may not read funny, but in front of an audience, they will always get laughs. Don’t confuse

humor with the embarrassment of your subjects. They are not at all the same thing, and any sort of

embarrassment should be avoided.

Start the act in the same way, either with the same or a similar opening talk, and get your subjects

on the stage as before. This time, you will perform two tests in suggestibility before you actually

hypnotize any of the people on the stage.

TEST 1

Ask one of the subjects to step forward and join you at the front of the stage. Have him stand with

his back to you, his feet together and his hands at his sides. Now, say to him ...... Close your eyes

and tilt your head back ..... way back ..... I want you to imagine a picture in your mind .......

you’re standing on a hill ....... it’s a very steep hill ...... you’re half-way up, facing the top .......

the hill is very steep and you’re going to fall backward ....... you cannot help yourself ..... the

hill is too steep ...... fall backward ..... let yourself fall .......

The subject, at this point, should start to sway backward. If he does, keep up the suggestions of

falling back and get ready to stop him from falling back too far. If he doesn’t seem to be taking the

suggestion, place your hands at the sides of his head touching his hair. Very gently, with no

pressure, draw your hands back towards you. The hands should just brush the hair without actually

touching the head. Do this once or twice, and the subject will definitely fall backward. Send him

back to his seat and bring up another subject.

TEST 2

This time, have the subject face you. Again, his feet are together and his hands are by his sides, but

this time, his eyes are open and he is looking directly at you. This is the time to start using your

glasses. Take them off and stare into his eyes from a short distance away ....... You are going to fall

forward ..... fall toward me ........ you cannot help yourself ....... you find yourself falling forward ......... don’t fight it ........ let yourself fall ....... Keep this type of suggestion up until you

see him begin to fall. As soon as he does, make a motion with your hands as though drawing him

toward you.

This is more difficult than the falling back test, so don’t try to start with this one. After they have

seen the other, this test will work very well. You could, if you like, use these tests at the beginning

of the “Cane act” as well.

TEST 3

This is the same as the first test in the other act ...... the one in which you make everyone’s arm stiff.

Handle it in the same way, but this time, don’t mention the cane.

Now, the comedy begins.

TEST 4

The subjects should now all be asleep. Go to one and have him remain seated in his chair ....... You

cannot stand up ....... no matter how hard you try, you are not able to stand up ..... you cannot stand ..... try to stand ........ you cannot ...... After he has tried for a while, negate the command and

go to another subject.

TEST 5

Again, the subject is to remain seated through this test ..... It’s beginning to get very warm ......

very, very warm ..... now it’s getting hot ....... extremely hot ...... it feels like the desert in the

middle of the afternoon it’s so hot ....... your throat is parched ........ open your collar ........ it’s

very, very hot ........ After a while, when the audience has seen his reaction to this, continue by

going the other way ........ Now, it’s beginning to get cool ...... cooler and cooler ....... much cooler

......... now it’s getting cold ......... very, very cold ....... it’s so cold, you feel as though you were sitting on a cake of ice ....... it’s so cold, it’s freezing ....... The subject will probably shiver during

this, and will pull his coat up around him. Now negate the command ....... Now, it’s getting warmer

....... the temperature is back to normal ...... now, you feel very comfortable ........ everything is

exactly as it should be, and you feel very comfortable ........ Proceed to another subject for the

next test. During all these tests, they can remain seated, because there is nothing physical as there

was in the cane act.

TEST 6

These next three bits should be done very rapidly with the same subject ........ Your mouth is stuck

shut ....... you cannot open your mouth ......... no matter how hard you try, you can NOT open

your mouth ........ it’s stuck shut ......... After he tries for a while, say ......... Now you can open

your mouth ......... it’s not stuck any more .......... you can open your mouth, but you cannot

remember your name ....... you cannot remember your name ......... what is your name?.........

He’ll struggle with that for a while. Then say to him ....... Your name is Napolean Farquarth (or

some other ridiculous sounding name) Your name is Napolean Farquarth ....... that is your

name, isn’t it? ......... He’ll answer by saying “yes” ......... Now, negate all the commands ........

Your name is NOT Napoleon Farquarth ........ now you remember what your name really is, don’t you?......... what is your name?........ He will now say his real name ......... All right .........

relax and sleep ........... deep asleep .........

TEST 7

This is not really age regression, although it may seem to be ....... You are three years old ..... you

are only three years old ....... you are just a small child of three ..... tell me, what is your name? ........ He will answer as a child. Ask him a few questions and he will continue to answer as though

he were really only three years old. After that, bring him back to the present ........ Now, you are not

three years old any more ...... you are the same age that you were when you came in ....... you are back to your real age ...... It is quite funny to see a grown man doing this.

TEST 8

This time, do just the opposite with your subject ....... You are an old, old man ....... you have just

celebrated your 90th birthday ....... you are a 90 year old man ........ Now, ask him questions and

he will answer as a very old man. When you’re through, don’t forget to negate the command.

TEST 9

From this point on, you will work with the entire group at one time ........ You are all sitting and

watching a movie ...... it’s a very funny movie ....... it gets funnier and funnier ........ what a funny movie this is ........ During this, they will have started by smiling and grinning. By now, they

will be laughing out loud, and as you know, laughter is infectious. Now, we bring on another

emotion ........... Now, the movie isn’t funny any more ......... the boy and girl have to leave each

other, and it’s very sad, because they’ll probably never see each other again ........ how sad it is ........ They will react to this, and some of them may even be crying. Now, make everything right

again ........ Now, everything is all right ....... the boy and girl don’t have to leave each other

........ they will get married and live happily ever after ........ what a nice movie ........... and what a happy ending .......... These next few tests all blend together into a unit.

TEST 10

You’ll use a few simple props for this one, so they will have to open their eyes. The props are a

pitcher of water and some glasses. Pour a glass for yourself and drink it down quickly, so that the

audience will realize it is only water ........ I will count to three ...... on the count of three, you will

all open your eyes, but you will remain in a deep sleep .......... one ........ two ........ THREE .........

open your eyes ......... now that you have all seen the movie, I think it would be a good idea to

have a drink and relax ......... Hand each one a glass, and fill it up with water ....... All I have is

gin, but that’s all right, because you all like gin ........ this is very good gin ......... drink the gin

........ I know you’ll like it ....... After they have had some, say ........ This is really strong gin

........ it’s so strong, that you are all getting drunk ........ you’re getting very, very drunk ........

you’re so drunk, I’d better take those glasses back ...... Put the glasses away and go right into the

next test.

TEST 11

That really was strong gin ....... in fact, you are all so drunk, that you cannot touch the tip of

your nose with your finger .......... no matter how hard you try, you cannot touch the tip of

your nose with your finger .......... go ahead ........... try ............. you cannot touch the tip of your nose with your finger .......... This is really funny, and will get a great reaction from the audience.

After they have tried for a while, say ......... Now you can touch it ......... Now you can touch the

tip of your nose .......... you’re not drunk anymore ......... the effects of the gin have worn off ....... you’re not drunk anymore, and now you can touch the tip of your nose ........ This now

leads directly into the next test.

TEST 12

Did you notice that when you touched the tip of your nose it felt like rubber? ........... touch it

again ........ it does feel like rubber ........ in fact, it is rubber .......... your noses are made of

rubber, and you can stretch them way out in front of you .......... stretch your noses out and let

them snap back, because they are made of rubber ........ stretch them way out and let them

snap back ........ now, they are not made of rubber anymore ........ now your noses are back to normal ....... they are not rubber .......... they are normal noses ......... This has to be seen to

realize how funny this bit is. From here, you will go into a few post-hypnotic tests.

TEST 13

Have them all close their eyes again, and command them back into a deep, relaxed sleep ....... I am

going to wake you one at a time ...... you will not wake up until I touch your shoulder and tell you to wake up ......... Now, go to them one at a time. Place your hand on their shoulders and give

the command ........ On the count of three, you will wake up feeling happy, relaxed, wide awake,

and better than you’ve felt in a long time ......... one ........ two ......... three .......... wide awake

......... Do this quietly so that only the person that you are working with can hear you. As each one

wakes, ask them to remain in their seats. However, don’t wake all of them. Leave three of your best

subjects still asleep. Thank those who are awake, and ask them to return to their seats in the

audience. Now, go to the first of the three sleeping subjects.

TEST 14

On the count of three, you will wake up ...... however, when I ask you to return to your seat in

the audience, you will find that you are stuck to the chair and can not get up....... when I ask

you to return to your seat in the audience, you will not be able to, because you will be stuck to

the chair that you are now in ......... one ....... two ....... three ........ wide awake ........ Have him

remain seated as you thank him for his help, then ask him to return to his seat in the audience. Of

course, he will be unable to get up from the chair. Put him back under with direct eye contact,

negate the command, and wake him again with feelings of well being. Now, have him return to his

seat.

TEST 15

This is with the second of your remaining subjects ......... On the count of three, you will wake up

....... but when I shake your hand, your left foot will be stuck to the floor .......... when I shake

your hand, your left foot will be stuck to the floor, and you will not be able to move it .........

one ........ two ......... three ........ wide awake ........ Let him sit there for a few seconds while you

talk to him, then ask him to join you at the front of the stage. Thank him for his help and shake his

hand. His left foot will be stuck to the floor. Put him under again with direct eye contact and say

........ When you wake up this time, your left foot will be all right, but this time, when I shake

your hand, you RIGHT foot will stick to the floor ........ Wake him and have him test his left foot.

Now, of course, it is all right. Again, shake hands with him. This time, the right foot will stick. Put

him under one more time and negate the commands. Wake him for the last time with the usual

suggestions of well being, and have him return to his seat in the audience.

TEST 16

This is your last subject, and you should have saved the best one for this ....... On the count of

three, you will wake up feeling well, happy, wide awake, and better than you have felt in a

long time ......... when you return to your seat in the audience, I want you to watch me .........

when I light a cigarette, you will get up and shout, “Let’s hear it for the hypnotist” ........ when

I light a cigarette, you will shout in a loud voice, “Let’s hear it for the hypnotist” ....... on the count of three, you will wake up ....... one ....... two ....... three ...... wide awake ........ Have him

return to his seat in the audience. Go into your closing talk, and as you near the end of it, remove a

cigarette from your pack. At the correct time, light the cigarette. Your subject will jump up and

shout, “Let’s hear it for the hypnotist”, which gets you off with a big laugh and a lot of applause.

CONCLUSION

Well, there you have it .......... two complete shows exactly as I have

done them for a number of years. Even if you have never studied the

art of hypnosis before, you can go out and do these shows, because all

the information that you will need is here.

I hope that you have enjoyed the book ......... I know you will enjoy

doing the hypnotic act.

Stage Inductions

We are indebted to Journi Smed, who has been instrumental in setting up these pages, and for his

permission to use them at hypnosis.com. As you probably have already noticed there is a lot of

information here at hypnosis.com. This server also has information about: trainings, books and

tapes about your questions about hypnosis. If you really want to practice hypnosis with other

people, there is no substitute for reading about it, and taking trainings in hypnosis.

Enjoy these pages!

Stage Inductions

• Deep Relaxation Induction

• Fractional Relaxation

• Clasp Induction

• Staircase Relaxation

• Hand Yardstick Test

Deep Relaxation Induction

(Chuck Milligan)

(Transcribed From An Actual Show)

Place your feet down on the floor. Place one hand on each leg with your palms down.

Now look down on one of your hands, it doesn't matter which one, just look down at one of your

hands. I want you to watch that hand. I want you to concentrate on your hand. Do not remove your

eyes from your hand.

Now notice the tightness of the skin on your hand. Notice the feel of the material that's underneath

your hand, notice any rings and any jewelry that might be on your hand, just watch that hand, just

concentrate on that hand and listen, listen to my voice only.

Think of relaxation only, any sound about this room other than my voice, let drift into the

background, any thoughts other than relaxation that come about, just let them come and pass.

Just watch that hand, concentrate on that hand, experience everything that you can about that hand

and soon, soon this pleasant drowsiness will come about, perhaps your eyes might begin to sting and

burn, or perhaps they may begin to water. Do not deliberately close your eyes, but don't make any

effort to keep your eyes open, Just let your eyes close whenever they want to, and you'll drift to a

wonderful pleasant place of relaxation. Just let yourself go, as you watch your hand it might become

dark. It might become blurry, it may even disappear from your sight altogether, do not refocus your

eyes on your hand, just let your eyes close whenever they want to and you'll drift to this wonderful,

pleasant place, just let yourself go, as we go along I want you to be aware of your breathing and

each breath you take, each time that you exhale, let your neck relax and let your shoulders drop, just

let them go, it will feel wonderfully good,

I'm going to count from one to three and when I reach three, if you haven't closed your eyes down, I

want you to close your eyes at that time. Now you will always be able to open your eyes if you

really want to, but leave them closed until I ask you to open them. One, two, and three, letting your

eyes close, letting your neck relax, letting your shoulders drop, just let them go, as we go along

you're going to find that your mind has a tendency to wander around to other thoughts and other

places, any time you find your mind wandering about, simply bring it back and focus your attention

on my voice, and you'll drift a little faster and a little more deeply relaxed than you were the

moment before.

To ensure that you're totally relaxed I'm going to mention several muscle groups of your body, as I

mention these groups of muscles I want you to focus your attention there, I want you to concentrate,

focus you attention and relax each group of muscles that I mention.

Concentrate on your face now and let your face muscles relax, you've relaxed your face, now relax

the tiny, tiny muscles around your eyes, you've relaxed your face and your eyes and now your neck,

let your neck relax, you've relaxed your neck and now your shoulders, let your shoulders drop, just

let them go. You've relaxed your shoulders, and now your arms and your hands are beginning to feel

so heavy, so heavy as though lead weights were pulling down on them. Relax your arms and your

hands and your fingers, you've relaxed your arms and your hands and your fingers, and now your

chest, let your chest go, you've relaxed your chest, and now your stomach, you've relaxed your

stomach and now your hips, your hips and your thighs, your thighs and your knees, your knees and

your calves, your calves and your ankles, your ankles and your feet.

Every nerve, every muscle, every fiber of your body is more relaxed right now than you've ever

been in your entire life, and you're going to continue to relax even more as we go along.

I'm going to count to three and when I reach three I want everyone to take a deep breath and hold it.

One, two and three, a deep breath filling your lungs up and now exhale slowly, as you exhale slowly

let all of your muscles relax, just let them go and melt down farther and farther and farther, just let

them all relax and melt.

Let's do that one more time, one, two and three, a deep breath, filling your lungs up with air and

exhale slowly, as you exhale let all of your muscles melt right down farther and farther and farther.

To ensure you're totally relaxed I'm gong to go through that relaxation of your body one more time,

very quickly.

Concentrate on your face now and let your face muscles relax, you've relaxed your face, relax the

tiny, tiny muscles around your eyes. You've relaxed your face and your eyes and now your neck, let

your neck relax, you've relaxed your neck and now your shoulders, let your shoulders drop, just let

them go, you've relaxed your shoulders and now your arms and hands are feeling so heavy, so heavy

as though those lead weights we're just pulling down on them, relax your arms and your hands and

your fingers, you've relaxed your arms and your hands and your fingers and now your chest, letting

your chest relax.

As we go along I may come by and I may touch you lightly on the side of the neck or I might lay

your head over on the shoulder of the person next to you like we did before, or I may adjust your

entire body position.

If I move you, if I touch you in any way, do not be alarmed, do not be intimidated by my touch, just

let it be your signal to let go and relax and melt down farther and farther and farther as every nerve,

every muscle, every fiber continues to melt and drop down deeper and deeper and deeper.

As you relaxed your chest and now your stomach, I've relaxed your stomach and now your hips,

your hips and your thighs, your thighs and your knees, your knees and your calves, your calves and

your ankles, your ankles and your feet, every nerve, every muscle, every fiber just melting and

dropping, it feels wonderfully good, it's going to feel even better, even better as we go along.

At this point you're going to find it very, very easy to use your imagination. You're going to find it

very easy to use your imagination, I want you to use your imagination now and I want you to

imagine that its a pleasant summers day, its a pleasant summers day, just let go and relax and melt

down farther and farther.

I want you to imagine that its a pleasant summers day and you're lying in a hammock stretched

between two trees, you can see the sunlight coming down through the leaves of the trees, and you

can see the limbs of the trees as they sway back and forth in the gentle summer breeze.

I'm going to count down from ten to one and on each number I count that hammock is going to sway

back and forth, back and forth, and each time that hammock swings you're going to continue to relax

and melt and drop down farther and deeper than you were a moment before.

Even if you're in the audience I may come by and I may move you or touch you or adjust your body

position, if I do, just let yourself go and drop way down, just letting go, relaxing and melting and

dropping down farther and farther.

You're in this hammock now and this hammock is beginning to swing in the breeze, Ten, and you've

relaxed, 9, 8, 7, it feels warm and safe and comfortable, 7, 6, 5, 4, as the hammock goes B&F, B&F,

just let yourself go, 4, 3, 2 and 1, all the way down.

Now I want you to use your imagination just one more time.

Now, use your imagination just one more time and this time I want you to imagine that you're in an

office building, it's a twenty story office building and you are way up on the twentieth floor, you're

going to ride the elevator from the twentieth floor down to the very first floor, and each floor that

passes by, each floor that goes by, you're going to continue to drop and relax, down farther and

deeper relaxed than the floor before.

You're in the elevator now and the elevator is beginning to move.

There goes the 19th floor, you've relaxed.

There goes the 18th floor,

There goes the 17th floor, just let yourself go and melt yourself down to the 16th floor.

Down to the 16th floor.

The 15th floor, the 14th floor, your whole body feels like a rag doll as you melt to the 14th floor, the

13th, the 12th, the 11th, the 10th, the 9th, the 8th floor, it feels as if there are magnets in the bottom

of this elevator, those magnets are pulling down on your body, they're pulling you right down to the

very carpet of the elevator.

Just let go and relax down to the 7th floor, the 6th floor, the 5th, the 4th, the 3rd, the 2nd, as the

sound of my voice, even the sound of my voice helps you to relax and helps you to drop down to the

3rd floor, the 2nd floor, and we're almost down to that very first floor, and as soon as I reach that

number 1 floor your body is going to feel like a puppet, your body will feel like a puppet that has

strings attached to your arms and your hands and your feet and your legs, and as soon as I reach that

number 1 floor, it's going to feel like I cut all of your puppet strings at once, you won't even be able

to support your body weight because all of your puppet strings would have been cut.

Get ready to let go, get ready to let go completely, here it comes, 3, 2 and 1, down deeper and

deeper just letting go, relaxing and melting and dropping.

Now from this point on, from this point on, whenever I count to 3 everyone is going to sit up feeling

great, fresh and wonderful, feeling really, really good.

However if I say the word "sleep", if I say the word "sleep" or if I shake your hand, if I do either one

of those two things you're going to go right back, you're going to go right back to the same

wonderful place that you are right now.

And each time you go back to this pleasant wonderful place you're going to go twice as quickly,

twice as deeply relaxed as you were the time before.

Now I'm going to count from 1 to 3, the lights will come on, the lights will not bother you at all, but

this very first time, just this very first time you're going to feel so heavy, so drowsy, so sleepy and so

tired, you're going to be waiting, your going to be waiting for me to say that word "sleep," or shake

your hand so that you can go right back to the same wonderful relaxing place. One, 2, 3 ... [Move to

instant induction]

Fractional Relaxation

(Marshall Sylver)

(Transcribed From An Actual Show)

[Deep breathing for a few minutes] [Hypnotist stands still slowly rising and lowering his arms from

his side]

In a moment I'm going to count from 1 to 3

On the count of three, open your eyes, look at me, do not look away, 1 ... 2 and 3

Open your eyes, look at me, do not look away

Breathe in deeply, and now breath out

Thats fine, your doing perfectly

Breathe in deep relaxation, and breathe out all your tensions

Breathe in peace and tranquility, and simply breathe out all your anxieties

Open your eyes now, look at me, do not look away

Open your eyes now wide awake

Breathe in ... and breathe out

In a moment I'm going to begin relaxing you step by step

In a moment I'm going to begin counting backwards from 10 to 1

As I do your eyelids will begin to blink and close down

Simply allow them to do so, you could resist anytime you wanted to, that is not why you're here

As I count backwards from 10 to 1, your eyelids will begin to blink and close down

As you continue to concentrate you will relax the muscles in your neck, in your body, and become

as limp and loose as if you were made from a handfull of loose rubber bands

Breathe in deeply, we begin

On number 10 each and every easy breath you take relaxes your body more and more you're simply

letting go

10,

9 breathe in deeply, eyelids beginning to blink now

Beginning to blink and close down your you're concentrating perfectly

10,

9,

8 way down,

8,

7 way down,

7 eyelids closing down now,

close your eyelids down tightly and concentrate on relaxing the muscles in your neck

close your eyelids down tightly now

let loose the muscles in your neck you're doing perfectly

10,

9,

allow your eyelids to remain closed until I tell you to open them

10,

9,

8 way down,

close your eyelids down relax the muscles in your arms you're doing perfectly

10,

9,

8,

7 way down,

7,

6,

5,

4 concentrate,

4,

3,

2 way down,

2 way down,

2 way down,

3,

2,

and 1 way down,

thats fine, you're doing perfectly

(Move to staircase relaxation)

Clasp Induction

(Marshall Sylver)

(Transcribed From An Actual Show)

Look at me now ... do not look away

In a moment Im going to continue relaxing you further

(show subjects)

In a moment Im going to tell you to extend you hands straight out in front of you

The moment that you do you'll place your palms approximately 12 inches apart.

After that I will tell you to close your eyes. The moment you close your eyes you'll feel as if there

are magnets in your palms

Your hands will begin pulling and tugging together

The moment those fingers touch you will allow them to interlock and you'll clasp your hands down

tightly

Extend your hands in front of you now, palms 12 inches apart, fingers spread

Your doing fine, your doing perfectly

In a moment I'm going to tell you to close your eyes, the moment you close your eyes it will feel as

if there are magnets in your palms

As I count backwards from 3 to 1 the pull get stronger

Close your eyes ... close your eyelids down tightly ... your hands become tugging and pulling [t & p]

... close your eyelids down tightly (t&p) (p&t) as if there were magnets in your palms your hands

are being drawn together (t&p) (p&t)

Just as a magnet gets stronger the closer it gets, the closer your hands get the stronger the pull (t&p)

(p&t) locking down, sealed shut, fingers tightly together the moment they touch (t&p) (p&t)

As I count backwards from 3 to 1 the pull gets stronger ... number 3 (t&p) (p&t), 3, 2 (t&p) (p&t),

the next number, number 1 has lock down, sealed shut, clasp down tighter and tighter together.

3, 2, 1, locking down, sealing shut, clasping tighter and tighter together

Thats fine, your doing perfectly

In a moment I'm going to count backwards from 3 to 1 again.

The moment I say the number 1 you will try to unclasp your hands.

The moment you try to unclasp your hands you will find that there is nothing you can do, say or

think that will allow your hands to separate.

The moment I say the number 1 you'll try to unclasp your hands.

The more you try to unclasp your hands the more securely locked down they become.

On number 3 your hands are locking down, sealing shut, clasping tighter and tighter together.

On number 2 it feels as if your hands are carved from a single block of wood.

On the next number, number 1 you'll try to unclasp your hands, the more you try the more secure

they become, number 1.

Try to unclasp your hands, the more you try, the more secure they become, tighter and tighter.

Thats fine, your doing perfectly.

Stop trying to unclasp your hands, allow your hands to remain straight out in front of you.

In a moment I'm going to touch your hands, the moment I touch your hands they will easily and

readily unlock.

In fact, the moment I touch your hands you will relax every muscle in your body and become limp

and loose as if you were made from a handfull of loose rubberbands.

The moment I touch your hands you will relax every muscle in your body and become limp and

loose as if you were made from a handfull of loose rubberbands.

When I touch your hands relax and let go. [The hypnotist goes from subject to subject pushing their

clasped hands down into their laps and commanding "sleep")

(Move to staircase relaxation)

Staircase Relaxation

(Marshall Sylver)

(Transcribed From An Actual Show)

In a moment I'm going to begin relaxing your further

In a moment I'm going to begin counting backwards from 10 to 1 again

The moment I say the number 10, you will allow your eyelids to remain closed

But the moment I say the number 10, you will in your minds eye see yourself at the top of a small

set of stairs

As I say say the number 9 and each additional number you will simply move down those stairs,

relaxing more completely

At the bottom of the stairs lies a very large feather bed and a very relaxing feather pillow

The moment I say the number 1 you will sink down into that feather bed and rest your head on that

feather pillow

During this time if I touch you or move you this will only serve to relax you deeper

Breathe in deeply, we begin

# 10, at the top of the stairs, your relaxing and letting go, # 10

# 9, becomming more limp, more loose, more calm, # 9

8, sinking into a more comfortable, peaceful and relaxed position

If I touch you or move you this will only serve to relax you deeper

10,

9,

8,

7 way down,

7,

6,

5 that’s fine, your doing perfectly, moving toward that feather bed

4,

3,

2, If I touch you or move you this will only serve to relax you deeper

5, let loose those neck muscles,

4,

3,

2 way down,

3,

2 way down,

3,

2,

On the next number # 1 simply sink into a more comfortable, calm, peaceful and relaxed position

Let your body go more limp and more loose as if you were made from a handful of loose

rubberbands

3,

2,

and 1 way down

that’s fine, you're doing perfectly

(Move to hand yardstick test)

into the air

on # 3 rising and lifting, lifting and rising

Balloons filling with more helium

3,

2, rising and lifting, lifting and rising

relaxing further and further up

on the next number, number 1 those ballons expand to 10 times their original size relaxing further

and further into the air

on the next number, number 1 those ballons expand to 10 times their original size moving further

and further into the air

3,

2,

and 1 rising and lifing, lifting and rising

pulling your entire body along with it

thats fine your concentrating perfectly

leave it right there

In a moment I'm going to count from 1 to 3,

The moment I say the number 3 you will open your eyes, you will look at your hands and see just

how well youve concentrated

The moment I say the number 3 you will open your eyes, you will look at your hands and see just

how well youve concentrated

1, 2 and 3