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Like any other thing in contemporary age, hypnotism has not escaped the glitter, glamour, and kitsch of commercialism. It’s not really surprising that something as mysterious and as interesting as hypnotism can turn into an entertainment show for moneymaking ventures.

Still, this is not to say that stage hypnotists are not as genuine as their counterparts in the clinical setting. Professional stage hypnotists follow the same rules and techniques in hypnosis. They just tweak them to provide entertainment value. The effect of their brand of hypnotism to their subjects doesn’t differ either – people act silly or ridiculous because it’s their will to go along with the show. As one stage hypnotist puts it, according to their suggestion, the subjects act and behave the way they think hypnotized people must do. 

So you want to be a Vegas show hypnotist? Perfect timing, right pacing,  and action-packed sequences are some of the required elements in a truly entertaining show. Here are some tips compiled from professionals of the trade.

Collect and Select

Almost all stage hypnotists initiate a pre-selection process prior to the show. These are not “planted” talents; the hypnotist actually calls out for volunteers from the current audience. After a series of hypnosis exercises, the hypnotist determines who among them is the most susceptible and suggestible to hypnotism. For every level, he selects the highly suggestible ones and eliminates those he deems not ready or not open to “let go.” (Thank you very much sir, ma’am, you may take your seat now.) This ensures a faster pace of the show, a more successful hypnosis rate; therefore a more entertaining show. The hypnotist performs hypnotism exercises at different levels. Still, there are a number of con men using rigged props or talents pretending as parts of the audience. 

12 Minutes of Fame

People more or less are attracted to the lure of the spotlight – if not confused by it. Putting people on stage, in front of a large audience, increases the success rate of the hypnosis session. On stage, people will find it hard to resist to instructions compared to common situations. When onstage, people will feel “obliged” to behave as they are expected to. Thus, they will find it easy to follow and respond to the hypnotist’s suggestions so as not to ruin the show. Once the atmosphere comes to this, the participants start to loosen up. The audience buys the act accordingly. This is enough for the hypnotist to take advantage of. All he has to do now is to “direct” the show. Cooperation is much easier if it’s all part of a performance.  

Wash Their Hands Clean

Riding on the idea that hypnotized people have absolutely no idea or control to what they are doing, subjects may find it easier to act out what is asked of them, no matter how weird or silly it may be. Once hypnotized, one may believe (or the hypnotist suggests one to believe) that he has no responsibility for the volunteer’s actions. It’s not “really them” who are acting like ducks and quacking on stage. Somebody is making them do what might have been embarrassing things.

Be Tricky

Bring out that fog machine! Turn on those bright lights! Let those glitters pour on! Don’t shy away from sound effects. Music for more ambience! Costumes and props for more atmosphere!

Once the show achieves the aura of a cinema house, the audience, in automatic response of a moviegoer, will be ready to suspend their disbelief. They will believe everything from the stage that is being fed to them. As in a fantastical and magical film, however irrational the story twist may be, the audience is ready and willing to negotiate within the story’s universe and codes.

Almost all stage hypnotists use stage tricks in order to achieve more jaw-dropping impact. The more complicated and dangerous the stage acrobatics are, the better for them (and their ticket sales). One common impressive stunt is suspending a person between two chairs, and then letting somebody stand on that person’s chest. The audience doesn’t question the trick; but in reality it’s just an ingenious use of space, black cloth, mirrors, and yes, hypnosis.

Make ‘Em Wet Their Pants

Talk in a booming, authoritative voice. Astound the audience and the participants with your commanding stance. The stage hypnotist takes advantage of the participant’s excitement, nervousness, and inexperience in the stage. He taps into that social pressure put upon to the subject. If others look as if they are under the hypnotist’s control, they must be so, too. He also takes into consideration that people act according to what they deem appropriate – if this is a hypnotism show then they have to go with the flow.

Never let them question your authority. Understand that hypnotized subjects may still wield their own free will, but generally people do what they are told, more so if its from an imposing figure.

At the same time, an ethical, professional hypnotist never exploits the participant’s vulnerability. He respects the subject’s sense of self and dignity. He puts importance on their safety and well being. Being a performer that he is, the stage hypnotist tries his best to make the audience and the participants have a great time.