| Once we know the art of inducing hypnosis, we | | | | now working on this question and may have |
| can discuss some of the finer points, some of | | | | more to say about it later. But let us |
| the things a beginner ought to know before he | | | | confine ourselves to the known facts and the |
| proceeds further. These things mean greater | | | | practical aspects of the science. It is |
| success or failure. First, gain the consent | | | | controversial enough without bringing in |
| of your subject. Second, gain his confidence. | | | | known controversial issues. |
| Third, gain his sympathetic cooperation. | | | | |
| Fourth, create in him a feeling or belief | | | | You may create expectancy in the subject by |
| that he will go to sleep if he follows your | | | | saying that much benefit may be derived from |
| instructions; that is, create expectancy. | | | | hypnosis; that he will enjoy a restful |
| | | | relaxation under hypnosis and that no |
| The first requirement will be met when the | | | | possible harm can come to him; that he will |
| subject agrees to being hypnotized by you. At | | | | awaken easily; that he will be able to hear |
| least, by word of mouth he will agree. The | | | | everything you say and know everything that |
| hypnotist must be such a person as will cause | | | | is done; that you will awaken him any time he |
| the subject to have confidence in him, his | | | | requests you to do so; that hypnosis is just |
| integrity and his ability. The least doubt in | | | | like sleep, except that he will be fully |
| the mind of the subject of the ability of the | | | | conscious of everything you do and say. |
| hypnotist to induce hypnosis, or to take care | | | | |
| of the subject while asleep or to awaken him, | | | | Be sure to say that if he follows your |
| may prevent hypnosis. | | | | directions and listens to every word you, |
| | | | say, he will go sound asleep. |
| The hypnotist should keep himself in a neat | | | | |
| and presentable condition. His voice and | | | | Emphasize: THAT HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STAY |
| manners should be pleasing. His voice should | | | | AWAKE. Say all this with conviction and do |
| be trained to be soothing and at the same | | | | not grin when you say it. Make it sound as |
| time, carry conviction and self-confidence. | | | | matter-of-fact as possible - like reading |
| Therefore, cultivate your voice. His manners | | | | from a history book or stating the total of |
| should not be those of a conceited despot, | | | | figures. In other words, just be plain |
| but more like a kindly doctor, with the | | | | matter-of-fact about the whole thing. This |
| confidence and sincerity of an able lawyer, | | | | creates expectancy. |
| who knows what he wants and how to get it | | | | |
| done. The gleaming eyes of the old-fashioned | | | | The statement, "If you listen to every word I |
| hypnotists, who thought they must stare their | | | | say and do exactly as I say, you will not be |
| subjects into hypnosis, while they made weird | | | | able to stay awake," not only creates |
| gestures, are passe. | | | | expectancy, but if the subject is one of |
| | | | those unimaginative persons who are difficult |
| Wild gestures and bulged-out eyes are no | | | | to hypnotize, these words give you an alibi |
| longer deemed necessary. I am not in a | | | | and may save your subject for a later day |
| position to say that intense concentration is | | | | when he will be more cooperative and go to |
| not necessary or useful, because it may be | | | | sleep. |
| possible that mental forces assist in | | | | |
| bringing on hypnosis. Many scientists think | | | | The mental attitudes of persons vary and on |
| so. From my experience, I am inclined to | | | | some other day the subject might be more |
| believe that the mental reactions of the | | | | receptive, and thereby you will mark up |
| hypnotist do have some effect on the subject | | | | another success instead of failure. Do not |
| and the results achieved. As to whether this | | | | let such a failure discourage you. Remember |
| is through projected mental forces or from | | | | that the best operators have failures now and |
| its reaction on the subject by suggestion, I | | | | then. |
| am not prepared to say, and neither is anyone | | | | |
| else. | | | | With these pointers in mind, you will have |
| | | | greater success as a hypnotist. |
| Some day this question may be answered. I am | | | | |