How to become a mentalist
The Barnum effect and how you can use Barnum statements to create the effect of supernatural powers Barnum statements are part of the tool kit of cold reading psychics and are named after the showman P T Barnum. They are sometimes referred to as the PT Barnum Effect. This technique is also used by performing […]
Learning how to become a mentalist starts with reading about the subject and immersing yourself in websites like mine to learn and grasp some of the core skills required to perform mentalism. Once you understand the basics, or if you are keen to progress quickly, enroll on mentalism courses to master the skill. Learn how to perform ‘mind reading simulation’ by reading nonverbal communication and body language. Learn mind-trickery using ‘slight of hand’ with mentalism card tricks or predictions. Perfect ‘mind control techniques’ through the power of suggestion and hypnosis.
Mentalism performed well will leave your audience in wonder. They will either be completely flummoxed as to how you did it, or convinced you’re telepathic, clairvoyant or have some form of psychokinesis or extrasensory perception. Or they’ll think you can somehow control and read minds. But non of these will be true. Instead you will be able to perform pre-prepared mind reading techniques, number predictions, read nonverbal communication body language and use prediction magic tricks.
This article includes five mentalism books. Well actually not all five books are about mentalism as such. Two of the books are devoted to reading nonverbal communication and how to influencing how people perceive you. Both important skills for mentalism. The other three mentalism books cover various mentalism tricks and techniques. The most comprehensive is the ‘13 Steps to Mentalism‘ book, teaching 13 mentalism techniques to practice. But if cold reading is an important mentalism technique you want to learn ‘Tricks of the Mind‘ and ‘The James Bond Cold Reading‘ are key books to read.
Cold reading techniques used by mentalists include techniques like the Barnum Effect. Barnum statements are general statements that people ‘make fit’ to their own circumstances. Other cold reading techniques include reading body language. Mentalist are also advised to choose willing subjects. Where these subject are open to believe in psychic abilities and the idea of the spirit world. Another cold reading technique is to use statements in the negative. Or to use statements stated using both sides of the coin that when put together they cancel each other out.
The theory behind mentalism tricks is easy to follow. Plus some of the mentalism tricks are easy to learn. But some take more practice and skill, where patience is key. After that it’s down to you to put your spin on the mentalism trick of your choice. The tricks themselves don’t take much time to do, it’s the showmanship that counts, which is probably 90% of the performance.
