Covert influence/hypnosis 2:

uncovering mostly classified information which has secretly

influenced your life

Basic principles of covert influence

Attract attention (with stories or unexpected actions)

Bypass the critical factor (If the guard at the door is busy with something, then it is easier to slip in.)

Activate unconscious response (anchoring)

Techniques for principle 1 & 2

Pacing and leading technique : originally for training horses.

Saying things absolutely true, to lower the shield of the audience and make them ready for the following commands.

Example of Obama’s speech in 2004: American dream -> himself -> John Macane

Techniques for principle 1 & 2

Overflow of message technique: surprise people with unexpected moves.

In this way people enter a sudden trance, or minimal energy state, and accept suggestions more easily.

Example: handshake induction Example movie: The Sting

Professional techniques of covert influence

Conversational mode Onion-like stories Visual-verbal synchronization Embed commands Reinforce commands Trigger actions

Conversational mode The true intention is hidden in conversations Message implying a command: Was the

door left open? (The command: Close the door.)

Double bind: Will you wash dishes or clean the table?

Same word with two meanings or two words with similar sound. (Example: It seems that you’re like me.)

Vague meaning is also used in cold reading.

Onion-like stories

Stories with multiple layers put people (especially kids) into trance easily.

Well structured (just like some great movies which induce strong feelings).

Structured in a special way to confuse the listener (so the true meaning slips in).

From describing he/she/they to you/we. Metaphors

Visual-verbal synchronization

Mimic movements/gestures (delay 2 sec). Tonality, rhythm. Use similar words and repeat ideas. Tempo of breathing. Speak when he/she breathes out. These techniques are pacing.

Embed commands If direct commands do not work (no matter

how angry you are), why not embed them? Youtube: Derren Brown Shopping Mall Trick

- Explanation Subliminal messages. Slightly change some words or use different

tonality for the commands. Negative or question forms (Don’t think of a

pink elephant). Presupposition with double binds.

Reinforce commands

Multiple rapport channels Notice the sensory system he/she uses

more frequently. Hypnotic sentences: when …, you ….;

because …. ; it means .... Utilize NLP eye patterns. Example of overt plus covert persuasion

in interviews.

Trigger actions

Detect and utilize existing anchors. Set up new anchors with multiple sensory

systems. Trigger actions with multiple sensory

inputs. Example on Youtube: Derren Brown

Subway Amnesia Example of techniques used by self-

development courses.