The term 'hypnosis' is misleading. Hypnosis is derived from a Greek root word meaning sleep and is as much related to sleep as I am to George Bush. When in the hypnotic state you are not asleep, far from it, often your senses become sharpened and you have a deeper concentration and inward focus. The hypnotic state is more frequently referred to as a 'trance' and is a state we all enter into many times a day. When reading a book or watching a film you suspend belief and really live the experience. At the same time you may be so involved, and so focussed on the film that someone could be having a conversation with you and you don't even notice (or if you are hen-pecked you pretend not to notice.) Trance is normal, relaxing, wonderful and very useful. With a Hypnotherapist you are guided into the trance in order to resolve your physical or mental issue, and you have given the Hypnotherapist your full cooperation to proceed. The trance you slip in and out of many times daily is a very personal state. Maybe just a daydream as you look out of the window for five minutes while sipping a cup of coffee at your desk. There is no doubt in my mind that the human mind has an incredible capacity to heal itself and the human body. I have seen it myself and know what I am talking about. However there is a general feeling within society still that hypnosis is some kind of mind control. This is vehemently denied by the hypnotherapy community and quite right too. But....and here's the rub...I also have no doubt that we (and by 'we' I mean everybody, not just hypnotists) are actually able to use very subtle hypnotic techniques to influence others. In the hypnotic state you are fully aware and fully in control. You will not do anything that contravenes your ethics. If, for instance, you were on a stage during a hypnotic show and the hypnotist asked you to punch another member of the audience then you wouldn't. Just because you are in a trance doesn't mean you are out of control. This is an extreme example to illustrate a point, to my knowledge no stage hypnotists would ever do this! However if that same hypnotist asked you to walk like a chicken, well then this probably isn't something you would normally do in the street obviously, but on a stage show why not! It certainly doesn't contravene your ethics and does no harm, not until you see the video anyway. And that is the point. You can sometimes be lead into performing an act or doing something you wouldn't ordinarily do if the environment is conducive and the language is permissive. And hypnotism has a large base in the language and words used. Believe me, salesmen and marketing folk have been using hypnotic techniques, often probably without knowing, for years to make us buy anything from a bag of sweets to a new house. Hypnosis isn't new, it isn't dangerous (quite the opposite - it is an incredibly powerful healing tool) and it isn't witchcraft. But it can be used in subtle ways without our conscious knowledge. And this could be described as covert hypnosis. Being able to persuade people is a skill some people possess naturally and others can learn, but it is there and it is a skill we all can use. Covert hypnosis exists, but don't let that worry you!
The subject of covert hypnosis is one of great controversy and disagreement. Many would argue that one cannot be hypnotized without knowledge or consent. In fact, most types of hypnosis do require the agreement of the person being hypnotized. The idea of a hypnotherapy session conducted covertly is absurd. But, with the proper knowledge and a little practice, you can wield a powerful influence over others using the principles of covert hypnosis.
Hypnosis is nothing more than a state of awareness where your conscious mind is not filtering the ideas that enter your subconscious mind. Typically, you can get to this state of awareness through deep relaxation and guided visualization techniques. These methods, of course, require your awareness and participation.
Covert hypnosis works differently. By using certain language patterns and behaviors a skilled covert hypnotist is able to plant suggestions in the subconscious mind of his target without detection. Keep in mind; this process is very different than traditional hypnosis.
The target is typically completely unaware of the covert hypnosis techniques being used on them. In fact, when done expertly, the target will believe that the implanted thought was their idea all along.
Obviously, such a powerful method of influence and manipulation can be misused. It is unethical to cause harm or loss by use of covert hypnosis but there are still those who will attempt it. The only way to protect yourself is to understand covert hypnosis so you can detect when it is being used against you.
There are a series of very specific language patterns that have been proven to have a covert hypnotic effect. Once you learn these language patterns and phrases you'll know what to look out for the next time you find yourself in a conversation with a salesperson who seems a little too persuasive.
Even more interesting is the effect of covert hypnosis in speeches or in writing. Each method of communication offers a different, but uniquely, powerful avenue for delivering a covertly hypnotic message.
A charismatic speaker can have a mesmerizing effect on a crowd, especially one that is predisposed to believe the topic of the speech. A talented speaker can use tone and vocal fluctuations to create a mass hypnotic effect on the crowd. Once the mass is entranced it becomes very easy to subtly insert post-hypnotic suggestions into their minds.
Only one who is familiar with these techniques and language patterns can easily dismiss these suggestions without experiencing any undue influence. Pay close attention to politicians and how they use language when giving a speech. Most successful politicians use the techniques of covert hypnosis very skillfully.
Writing is the other avenue for mass influence available to the covert hypnotist. Writing does not have the ability to use tone or personal magnetism to induce the hypnotic effect so it must rely on an entirely different strategy. Covert hypnosis in writing requires the active participation of the reader to have any effect. The reader must become caught up in the narrative. They must see the story. Picture themselves as a part of it. This act of visualization on the readers part is the key to covert hypnosis in writing.
Once the reader has begun to see the story you are telling in their own mind they are open to suggestion. Their subconscious is open to, and unprotected from, messages that are delivered through the medium of the story you are telling and they are visualizing.
Visualization is nothing more than a daydream or a fantasy. Everyone does it. So it is easy to induce with vivid and descriptive writing if you know how. Once your reader has entered this realm of fantasy their subconscious is wide open to your message provided you deliver it subtly and within the context of the fantasy you are spinning.
Many deny the existence and power of covert hypnosis, but make no mistake, a skilled and practiced covert hypnotist can insert suggestions into your subconscious mind without you even knowing. And they can do it through a speech you watch on TV or through a letter you get in the mail.
Both Mark Boardman & David Wells are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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