The Science and Tricks of Mind Reading - Research Paper Example

The Science and Tricks of Mind Reading Mind reading is a science. Even though people make have different takes on the ability to read minds, this science is still a process that involves dedicated study and practice. For some, mind reading is a serious skill that involves the ability to observe and deduce logic based on perceived things (Goforth 20). For others, it is an entertaining skill that requires the “mastery of certain tricks pulled up the sleeve” (Clark 46). Even if one cannot really read the other person’s exact thoughts, knowledge of the process of mind reading can make a person able to pick up clues and web ideas together to try to guess what the other person is thinking. Scientific methods or tricks are often used to understand or know another person’s thoughts. In this paper, some basic techniques of mind reading will be presented to show how mind reading can both be scientifically intriguing and mentally entertaining. For the first kind of mind reading that mainly involves scientific procedures, one needs a basic understanding of both the verbal and non-verbal cues that a person gives off. There are no materials needed to do this kind of mind reading other than knowledge of scientific theories that govern how people behave and communicate. Knowledge in the fields of communication and psychology greatly helps in this matter. Additionally, knowledge in effectively using the senses is also necessary (“Mind Reading” 1723). On the other hand, the other kind of mind reading that involves tricks might need a couple of materials before one can actually perform the mind reading process. Some of the most basic things to use are paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, and stapler. In addition, one needs an assistant to do the mind reading trick. This trick should be done in a place where the mind reader can be safely isolated from the others at certain times during the mind reading process (Clark 75-6). While both mind reading techniques require the skill of the mind readers, they are done differently. The serious mind reading process first requires the mind reader to list a series of questions to ask the participant. Second, one should observe the participant keenly in order to take note of the verbal and non-verbal replies and reactions. Third, the mind reader can then throw in suggestive remarks that will elicit more hints from the participant. Fourth, the mind reader will merge all these verbal and non-verbal cues and form them into an observation that the participant can believe as successful mind reading. From this, the mind reader can go on and do more mind reading from the added clues, from the participant, or end the process entirely. The mind reader should be careful enough, though, to make sure that the observations thrown at the participant are vague and general enough to stay on the safe side, yet phrased in almost a personalized way. If the process is successful, the participant will believe the mind reader can truly read his or her thoughts. For the other type of mind reading, there is not much mental calisthenics required. First, the mind reader should acquire the help of the assistant. Second, both the mind reader and the assistant will reveal to the group that the mind reader can actually read minds, and is willing to perform for them. They should explain the mechanics of the mind reading presentation, wherein the group members will choose a particular object from the table. This materials stated above --- paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, and stapler --- may be used as choices. Third, the mind reader will leave the room while the group chooses a preferred object without physically touching it. Once an object is chosen, the mind reader can go back with the group. Fourth, the mind reader will correctly identify the object that the group chose. This will be done through a previous understanding between the mind reader and the assistant. Each object will be associated with a specific phrase. For example, if the group chooses the pencil, the assistant will call the mind reader back by saying “All is ready now.” If the group chooses the paper, the assistant can call the mind reader back by saying “We’re ready.” Each object will have a corresponding phrase to it. If this is successful, the participants will believe that the mind reader can actually guess what is on their minds (Clark 78-79). The concept of mind reading may seem hard especially to those who have not tried it. However, one must understand that mind reading is like a puzzle. As in the first type of mind reading, the pieces of hints will be put together, just like pieces of puzzle as joined together. The more hints acquired, the better chances of giving out “accurate” observations. This is similar to having more pieces of the puzzle fit together. The more pieces put in place, the better and easier one can solve the whole puzzle (Battersby 15-6). In comparison, however, the first type of mind reading is harder to deliver with a flourish, and would normally take a lot of time and practice to master. It also requires sharpness of the mind in taking in details, even ones as small as the participant’s slight lifting of the brow, the taking in of deep breath, the movement of fingers, the dilation of irises, the heartbeat, the sweat, or even the stammering and regularity of speech crutches and gaps of silence (Battersby 14). The second type of mind reading is easier to deliver when compared to the first. It is also less impressive. Still, both mind reading processes can serve as entertaining icebreakers during events (Goforth 20). Works Cited Battersby, Sharyn. "Nonverbal Communication." General Music Today. 22.3 (2009): 14-18. Print. Clark, James L. Mind Magic & Mentalism for Dummies. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley, 2012. Print. Goforth, Sarah. "Labconsumer - the Science of Mind Reading." The Scientist. 15.1 (2001): 20. Print. Mind Reading." Science. 330.6012 (2010): 1723. Print. Read More