Does anyone here know how to cold read, or even just know what it is? I’m learning it right now, it’s really very handy and fun to use.
Cold Reading is a technique used by mentalists, hypnotists, supposed ‘psychics’ and the like, to understand more about a person. You begin by observing your subject, make assumptions based on their appearance (For example, a goth lesbian is most likely NOT conservative, and they either lack political views or are liberal).
Then, you go on to state some Barnum Statements, which seem very specific to the subject but actually apply to much of the general populace. A few good examples are that most people sleep on their sides, most people fear rejection, and most men prefer women with long hair, while most women prefer gold jewelry to silver jewelry.
Instead of saying “You prefer women with long hair,” say, “I sense a lot of women with long hair in your life.” Not only does this apply to most people, but even if a man had divorced his wife, then remarried, his new wife would share some very common characteristics to his ex.
In fact, most people have a drawer/cabinet/closet door in their home that doesn’t quite close properly. Most people also have a box of unsorted photos, gathering dust in their homes.
The last two statements are great, because they seem even more individualized. They really gain the attention of your subject, and gains much credibility as well.
Another popular technique is the Rainbow Ruse.
The Rainbow Ruse is a statement that offers a positive trait to the subject, but contrasts it with the opposite. This works because the subject will ALWAYS accept a positive reading, but because you neutralize the positive with the negative, it fits everyone. For example…
I see you are generally very outgoing and social, but occasionally prefer to find yourself in isolation.
OR
I sense that you are generally a very nice and caring person, but when someone does something to break your trust, you feel a deep sense of injustice that is hard to hide and hard to let go.
These statements work for everyone, because it’s impossible to deny… and to the subject, the statements seem unique to them. The best part is, Rainbow Ruse statements can easily be invented. You could find tons of them if you sign up for a Daily Horoscope, too. Yes, the horoscopes use these techniques.
If any of you have ever seen a Psychic/Palm reader/Mentalist, etc., they were most likely using these techniques. That’s not to say they didn’t have a… gift, to say, but they very likely didn’t. Frankly, anyone can use these techniques.
I hope everyone liked this post… I found it interesting. It’s a good way to amaze your friends, too.
Hah, I’m not good with sarcasm… especially over the internet!
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