Should you use Suggestibility Test?

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Permalink Reply by Mac Stevens on February 3, 2009 at 7:21pm

Thanks Joshua,

In a stage setting, isn't the main purpose to involve the entire audience? Not so much a test as a audience participation exercise.

Mac

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Permalink Reply by Joshua Houghton on March 1, 2009 at 10:37am

Hi Mac,

Exactly, It's all about how we frame them. I never use them in an office setting instead I use convincers, but the key is if you do use them to frame them where the client or person your working with can't fail. I like the way you worded this as audience particpation. No test, so no fail.

Good to see you again Mac

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Permalink Reply by John Cleesattel on March 31, 2009 at 5:29pm

A somewhat different method is to make suggestions and ask for feedback.

Example: So are you ready to try hypnosis? In a moment, I will tap my finger on the table, when I do, you will notice that you are getting a nice warm feeling in your chest. It will feel really good. When you feel this nice soothing warmth, even a little bit, let me know by saying "I feel good" and we will continue on. Is that okay with you? Are you ready? (tap finger)

What you have done is verified their desire to be hypnotized, then given the subject a suggestion. You have told them what to expect when you give them the signal (finger tap), you have then gained their permission, and made the event imminent. Then you just trigger the event and let their subconscious fulfill the prophesy.
They tell you when it has worked, before you ever move on. They are experiencing trance effects first hand, and are being induced all at the same time.

When they say "I feel good", guess what? Your suggestion was hypnotically reacted to. You know they are responding to what you are doing...as you are doing it... no guesswork involved. On your part, or on theirs.

But this is just a different method, that's all

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Permalink Reply by VelvetMallet on November 30, 2009 at 9:35pm

Hi Josh

I totally agree; it's not a test. Really.

It is almost guaranteed that anyone who has had a formal education, even if they didn't finish high school, has had the experience of taking a test. People who have gone to the doctor may have had to give a sample of one type of body fluid or another to get it tested. And if we're old enough to drive... that's right, we've had to take TWO tests!

I believe that despite our individual anxiety levels regarding the ordeal of test-taking, that there is, at least initially, a collective desire that we want to do well on our tests. History test, driving test, STD test, we all want the best possible outcome. When did we all become so fragile as to be unable to tolerate the use of the word "test" in a conversation? When did it become about winning? Why must everyone win?

I get it. I really do. People wince, freak out a little, perspiration rate increases a tad, thermal imaging shows spikes. But it still makes me roll my eyes that we have to tip-toe around the usage of terms that identify a common experience.

It is my belief, that the label of "suggestibility test" is part of the set-up. It frames that part of the pre-talk to get the subject to participate and want the best possible outcome. If one chooses to use as a model the mind-set of pass/fail, no one is choosing "fail" from the outset. They want to know what it's going to take to pass, or even excel, if they feel they have a chance. No, they're not a loser if their hands don't stick or their eyes open. The suggestibility test is played much more in the spirit of a "laboratory experiment" rather than an IQ Test or a polygraph test.

And if the hypnotist has done their job in establishing good rapport with the subject, then the test or experiment takes on the mood of a collaborative situation of "let's see what happens when we do this" rather than "I'm going to see how well you jump through this hoop".

Just my 2¢.

VelvetMallet
www.ChampionMindSkills.com

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