| Cold reading techniques refer to the procedures | | | | specific and personal about the subject that no |
| that so-called “mentalists” use to let their | | | | stranger would probably ever know. |
| target think that they (the mentalists) know more | | | | For example, the mentalist can say, “You |
| about a subject than the target himself. It’s | | | | have a problem relating with people of high rank |
| also very effective for getting information out of | | | | or are in the military.” Now this might sound |
| other people as well. | | | | astounding to everyone (the subject included), but |
| These cold reading techniques can be verbal or | | | | people can easily have a problem dealing with the |
| non-verbal. While the success of these methods | | | | military. |
| relies on the mentalist’s experience, here are | | | | When the subject reacts, the mentalist can easily |
| 3 easy ways you can “read” other | | | | read just how much of a problem the subject has |
| people’s minds. | | | | and will then pick up from there. |
| | | | |
| Cold Reading Technique # 1: Shotgunning | | | | Cold Reading Technique # 3: The Rainbow Ruse |
| Shotgunning is one of the most popular cold | | | | The Rainbow Ruse involves citing two opposite |
| reading techniques. It works pretty much the | | | | characteristics of the subject. “You are a |
| same way as a real shotgun does. | | | | natural introvert but you can also be the center |
| You fire off a number of questions or statements | | | | of everyone’s attention when you want |
| with the hope that one of them means something | | | | to.” |
| to the subject. You’ve seen a lot of people | | | | In this case, the mentalist guesses the subject to |
| do this on television before. | | | | be an introvert, but then adds the center of |
| The mentalist will usually start off with something | | | | attention part just in case he gets it wrong. Once |
| like “I see a father figure… He was close to | | | | again, the mentalist will pick up on the issue |
| you…” Notice how his comments are vague | | | | depending on how the subject reacts to the |
| and non-committal? Chances are, there is a father | | | | statement. |
| figure in the subject’s life that he was close | | | | Cold reading techniques have grown steadily |
| to. | | | | popular over the years. While there is nothing |
| | | | hocus pocus about it, they are uncannily effective. |
| Cold Reading Technique # 2: The Barnum | | | | Why don’t you try some of these tricks on |
| Statement | | | | your family and close friends at first and see how |
| The Barnun statement has plenty of people | | | | they react to them? I’m confident that their |
| fascinated. It involves saying something seemingly | | | | reaction will be no less than awed. |