How Stage Hypnosis Works

Most people have heard about hypnosis performances and may believe they have a general idea of what they entail. When the phrase comes to mind, you might imagine someone running around on a stage, flapping his or her arms like a chicken. There are many naysayers who doubt the legitimacy of hypnosis; let alone hypnosis performed on stage.

Stage hypnosis is a type of hypnosis that became popular in the 1950s. It was likened to stage magic, because it was a form of entertainment and needed to have a level of showmanship. Conventional magicians also used hypnosis as part of their act at that time. Nowadays, however, the techniques of professional hypnotists performed on stage are similar to or the same as those employed by hypnotherapists.

How Does Hypnosis on Stage Work?

First, stage hypnotists will find a suitable subject by seeking out individuals who are suggestible, or open to the art of hypnosis. A suggestibility “test” might be performed by asking the audience certain questions. They might ask if anyone had an imaginary friend, for instance. Those with the most intense imagination are believed to be the best candidates for hypnosis. Once the hypnotist has found a good subject, they will begin to hypnotize them using certain methods, and then suggest that the subject performs in a certain way. They might hypnotize the subject and include a trigger to help them revert to a suggestible state, for instance. The trigger itself can be anything from a click to a word.

Addressing a Common Hypnosis Myth

One of the biggest myths about hypnosis is that subjects can be persuaded to do anything. However, hypnotists cannot persuade subjects to do something that they don’t have a natural tendency to do. For example, you can persuade someone to make animal noises, but you cannot persuade them to commit a crime.

At all times, the subject is aware of what they are doing. The process does not elicit a specific “hypnotized” feeling which many people expect. Instead, the power of suggestion and a tendency towards compliance tend to be the driving forces behind the hypnosis typically performed on stage. With that being said, a legitimate hypnotist can help the right candidate make remarkable changes in their life by helping them unlock their innate strength and abilities.

Interested in learning more about stage hypnosis or how it can be a great addition to your next corporate event? Contact me!