Mentalists typically seek to explain their effects as manifestations of psychology, hypnosis, an ability to influence by subtle verbal cues, an acute sensitivity to body language, etc. These are all genuine phenomena, but they are not sufficiently reliable or impressive to form the basis of a mentalism performance. These are in fact fake explanations - part of the mentalist's misdirection - masking the use of
classic magician trickery.
Manipulation of physical information Often one of the key ways a mentalist will accomplish giving the impression of "mind reading" will be through gaining the relevant "thought" through other, physical means. Information about a participant's thought might be made available through
written pieces of paper, envelopes,
books, or playing cards that can then be obtained through the use of sleight of hand. Modern technology has also allowed for the creation of various apparatus enabling the gathering of such information electronically from a distance. At times these techniques and tools have also allowed mentalists to "predict" thoughts through
creating "proof" of the prediction after the thought itself has been revealed.
Suggestion This technique involves implanting an idea, thought, or impression in the mind of the spectator or participant. The mentalist does this by using subtle verbal cues, gestures, body language, and sometimes visual aids to influence their thoughts. For instance, asking someone to "think of any card in a normal deck" automatically plants the general idea of a playing card in their mind. Similarly, asking them to "visualize the card clearly in your mind" can put the image of a particular card in their imagination.
Misdirection Also known as diversion, this technique aims to divert the audience's attention away from the secret method or process behind a mentalism effect. Magicians and mentalists frequently use grand gestures, animated movement, music, and chatter to distract attention from a sneaky maneuver that sets up the trick. For example, a mentalist may engage in lively conversation while secretly writing something on his palm. Or he may dramatically throw his jacket on a chair to cover up a hidden assistant in the audience.
Cold reading This technique involves making calculated guesses and drawing logical conclusions about a person by carefully observing their appearance, responses, mannerisms, vocal tones, and other unconscious reactions. Mentalists leverage these cues along with high probability assumptions about human nature to come up with surprisingly accurate character insights and details about someone. They can then present this as if they magically knew the information through psychic powers.
Hot reading Hot reading refers to the practice of gathering background information about the audience or participants before doing a mentalism act or séance. Mentalists can then astonish spectators by revealing something they could not possibly have known otherwise. However, doing hot readings without informing the audience is considered unethical. Ethical mentalists do hot readings only if they explicitly disclose it, or do it for entertainment with the participant's consent.
Pre-show Mentalist techniques are sometimes employed before a show officially begins. The performer or an assistant might set up an unwitting audience member for an effect later in the performance by covertly obtaining the audience member's thought outside the context of the performance proper. Later, during the show, the performer can then capitalize on the earlier obtained information during their performance without the wider audience being aware of the earlier interaction with the participant.
Subtle artistry The most skilled mentalists ensure their performances seem completely natural, organic and unrehearsed even though they are carefully planned. They structure their acts, patter and effects to come across as pure luck, coincidence or chance rather than as clever illusions or tricks. This 'invisible' artistry maintains the mystique around mentalist performances.
Strolling vs. shows Mentalists may perform in various formats, including strolling interactive performances where they engage small groups, or stage shows for a larger audience. ==Performance approaches==