I am a magician and I started adding simple hypnosis to my close-up magic work... nothing too serious.

I loved the reactions I got and realised after a while that 'real' or 'true' hypnosis requires a lot of study and a different approach from that of a close-up magician.

for any magician looking to add an extra dimension to their act I suggest visiting the 'hypnosis without trance' website by James Tripp or obtain the 'reality is plastic' and manchurian works by Anthony Jackson. You can learn some 'basic' hypnosis tricks to get you started but, as stated above, real hypnosis is a whole different genre of entertainment.

Hypnosis is easy.

Walk up to a group of people and ask if anyone has been hypnotised before.

If so then great use them, but if not, wait. usually within a few seconds someone will lean slightly forward and say something, probably ask 'Why?"

Smile confidently and say something like - ---

"Oh I'm an entertainment hypnotist and magician and have a new routine I'd like to try out with you guys, or to rehearse with someone. No problem if you're busy."

Wait.

If there is a hypnotee - someone who's been done before, look them straight in the eye. They may go in to hypnosis without a further word.

Or wait until you get a definite yes or no.

If no, go find another group. If yes, stick their eyes closed and give them an experience.

Duh, my reference above should be Anthony Jacquin, not Jackson.

I'm sorry Ms. Jackson (oh) I am for real!