In ABC’s new Mind Games TV show, brothers with shady pasts played by Christian Slater and Steve Zahn open an agency that focuses on changing other’s minds—without them knowing it. They create and implement simple psychological strategies to influence their clients’ life altering situations. Are these tactics real or just made for TV? And will they work for you? Are these techniques even ethical?
In the first full episode, the brothers tackle convincing a health insurance company to approve a surgery for a little boy that could be classified as experimental. I’m not going to tell you how it turns out because it’s good drama and you’re going to want to watch it for yourself.
Jedi Mind Tricks
Yes, all of the tactics the cast uses and the ones they talk about using are real. Most all of them are contained in basic level Neuro Linguistic Programming or NLP. They’re not Jedi mind tricks that are beyond the reach of most of us. They’re designed to let people make their own decisions, but stack the odds in your favor. So you’re going to have to be the one that decides if using this works for you. To me, it’s totally ethical in situations where you’re working for the greater good and a win/win.
Here are some techniques they used and what I think about them as a body language and persuasion expert:
- Lead any sales conversation with your weakness-it makes you more likeable. They led with the fact that they’re criminals and kinda nutty. I’d avoid such big flaws and talk about things more like that you spilled your coffee or stepped in gum. Nobody wants to hear your biggest weakness right off the bat. You’ll turn them off.
- Stand on the right side of the room to make yourself more likeable. Scientists have proven this and comedians use it all the time. When you stand on the left of your audience, the unconscious mind perceives that you’re a threat. So stand on the right of whoever you’re talking to.
- Match and mirror your client’s body language. Absolutely use this! It’s challenging to master, but sends the unconscious message, “I’m just like you”. And people love people like them. They’re more open, comfortable and receptive to you and your ideas. You can learn how to do it when you get your copy of Mastering Magical Persuasion. You can download the book and video right now!
- Use a 45 degree angle of address. When you face people straight on, you create unconscious conflict in you and them. Open up your shoulders and create ease in the conversation.
- Looking at an attractive person blocks your ability to form a cohesive argument. I’ve never used this one but give it a shot. Dress up and present your proposal—you may just get what you want!
- Adrenalized Implantation – People become more suggestible when they’re highly stressed. So when people are flying off the handle, if you’re smooth, you can suggest beliefs that they’re more apt to take on. This is pretty advanced and I’d suggest being trained in hypnosis and NLP before you try it. You want to make sure you implant the right thing the right way!
There’s nothing that you can’t manipulate in this world. You can stop war, change election outcomes, take over companies, get that date or get your husband to put the toilet seat down. You can make people believe that they’re a better person and different actions will result. All you’ve got to do is set the stage and let them come to the decision on their own.
Want to know more? Get your copy of the Mastering Magical Persuasion e-book and video. And when you really want to dive deep, hire me to train your company team or association. In no time at all, you’ll be starring in your own episode of Mind Games—and getting lots more of what you want. The good thing is that it won’t be on TV, it will be your life!
And be sure to watch Mind Games. You’ll learn lots. Just click here:
