Covert Hypnosis: How to Use the Hypnotic Power of the Magicians Choice

"....The Magicians Choice is one of the most important tools a good magician can have in their repertoire of magic...."

The Magicians Choice is a 'forcing' technique that allows them to control what item a spectator picks. By carefully controlling the 'process of elimination', they end up with exactly the item they want the spectator to have...the spectator is completely unaware of this process, and is under the illusion that they are making a free choice. Similarly, we can use the principle of 'forcing' to influence a person to make a choice that is to our benefit.

But first, lets look at the ways we can cause a person to reject our choice

Give them only one option:
Only giving a person one option leaves them with the decision to agree or disagree with that option. If you suggest that you both go to the park (because you want to be alone with that person), and the person is scared of dogs, they will turn your offer down. You will then have to provide another option.

Demand what you want:
Sometimes called "my way or the highway". Demanding that someone choose an option can cause a confrontational mindset. The choice may become a side issue, such that the person is disagreeing with the demand for the option rather than the option itself.

Sound unsure of what you want:
Uncertainty can make an option seem very unappealing. We all like to think that when we make a choice, it's a good one. By sounding uncertain you can well create the impression that the option may not be a good one.

How to get someone to do what you want using Double Binds and Lists:
A double bind is when a person is given two options, where both options are to your benefit. For example, I could say to someone "Would you like to go to a really cool bar I know, or should we just take our drinks and go out on the balcony?". Both of these options are favourable to me. But I am giving them a choice. A sales person could also do this by asking a prospective customer, "will you be paying by credit card or by cash?". The option to not pay is excluded. Either option benefits the sales person. By stating the choices in non demanding and confident manner we are giving the person the chance to compare the TWO things and choose which one they prefer (assuming that the choices are reasonable) rather than thinking of something else.

A similar "forcing" principle applies to Listing. When choosing from a list of 3 things, people generally favour the last thing mentioned. You can use this to your advantage by placing your preferred option last. An example of this could be if I said to a woman "Which would you prefer, go upstairs to the private area, go to a diner and grab something to eat OR should we go to this cool bar I know of?".

So there you have it; Double Binds and Listing. Remember to use this as one of your Covert Hypnosis Skills!
Damon L