Let’s face it, we have all been in the position where we wanted to use psychic mind control to influence the actions of someone around us (spouse, child, neighbor, juror, etc.). Unfortunately, no matter how well we explain our position, sometimes the other person just doesn’t “get it.” Well, argue no more. Now, for the price of a free cup of coffee, you too can utilize your brain to its maximum potential and psychically control your family, friends, and even perfect strangers!
(DISCLAIMER: Brain maximum potentials may vary. Consult your doctor before participating in any brain maximization exercises. Deliberations is not responsible for any injuries resulting from brain overuse or unfortunate consequences associated with psychic mind control.)
How is this possible? It’s easy! Just follow these three basic steps and watch everyone do whatever you say:
1) Assess the Subject
2) Identify the Narrative Goal
3) Manipulate Your Presentation
Or, as I like to say: “Tune up your brain and A.I.M.”
Step One: Assess the Subject
Research has shown that we all have the ability to read minds. At last year’s American Society of Trial Consultants Conference in Atlanta, Dr. David Matsumoto of Humintell taught us how microexpressions are universal indicators that humans from Fiji to Finland display regularly. Amazingly, I found that after two hours of video training, I increased my accuracy at correctly identifying these brief emotional indicators from around 40% of the time to over 80%.
We can even read minds “remotely” through photos. A blog by Katie Moisse at the Scientific American outlines research that suggests people can predict a person’s political party affiliation (Republican or Democrat) based on facial photos. This study utilized black and white pictures of U.S. Senate candidates and college year book photos of voters to test whether people could accurately predict which party they aligned with. The results showed significant success (although generalized and imperfect) based on stereotypes about Republicans and Democrats. (Which begs the question: Should covers actually be used to judge books?)
For attorneys, step one would entail making an honest assessment of the community and jurors involved in their case. This could include: Thinking about the attitudes of the area, doing pre-trial research, designing strong voir dire or juror questionnaires, and most importantly, paying close attention to the responses.
Step Two: Identify the Narrative Goal
While it would seem easiest to simply tell someone what you want them to do, psychic mind control requires more finesse. Rather than dragging them along, it’s better to decide on a finish line and offer signposts to help your audience arrive where you want them to. The most basic method of accomplishing this is by engaging in the art of storytelling.
Whether it be through religion or culture, the most lasting stories of human history are those that impart some sense of morality or learning experience. The Bible; The Koran; The Torah; Buddhist Sutras; all of these impart morals that highlight the benefits of being a good member of society (and the potential downfalls of not). Theories of sociocultural evolution suggest that we have a predisposition to attach to these stories of morality because, as humans, we need the group to survive. Ted Kaczynski types aside, we are a very social species and naturally attach to themes that engage this premise.
Some of the best examples of lasting stories come from a Greek slave named Aesop. His fables became so imprinted in the cultural lexicon that we now only need to speak a few words to impart the entire story: “Sour grapes”, “cried wolf”, “the Tortoise and the Hare.” One of the best methods of accomplishing psychic mind control is to create a story that taps into this internal need for social justice (honesty, hard work, selflessness, etc.).
Step Three: Manipulate Your Presentation
You have measured your listener(s) and catered your goals, the final step of psychic mind control is to change your message transmission; this means altering your language.
Research has suggested that something as simple as word choice can have dramatic surprising psychological and physical effects to the state of the listener. One method of utilizing this phenomenon is to build themes on common turns of phrase and imagery (“taking a step back”, “unclean thoughts”, “that’s heavy”, etc.).
The Association for Psychological Sciences published an article (The Body of Knowledge) which outlines a variety of studies exploring the field of embodied cognition. This area is based on the premise that many common sayings actually provide cognitive/neurological reactions from the recipient. For example, one study found that subjects who were asked to think about a time they were rejected by someone, assessed the temperature of the experiment room as significantly colder than those who were asked to think about a time they were accepted by someone (“out in the cold” versus “warmly received”.)
By choosing your words carefully, your listeners will both hear and feel the power of your story. Thus, rendering them helpless to your metaphysical manipulations. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just (1) know your audience; (2) craft a good story; and (3) use powerful imagery through language; then you too can be an expert in the Art of Psychic Mind Control.
Blogger: Matt McCusker
