Conversational hypnosis is the idea that all communication has a hypnotic effect. From infancy, we are influenced by the words and actions of those around us, shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors—whether we realize it or not.
When people think of hypnosis, they often imagine a mysterious figure swinging a pocket watch and commanding someone to “fall into a trance.” Hollywood portrays hypnosis as an almost magical force that puts people under a spell, making them act against their will. The reality, however, is far more subtle and grounded in everyday experiences.
Understanding Trance
We enter trance states multiple times a day without even noticing. Consider these common experiences:
- Zoning out while listening to someone talk about their day
- Losing track of time while engaged in a task
- Driving on autopilot and suddenly realizing you’ve arrived at your destination
- Walking into a room and forgetting why you went there
- Getting lost in thought and momentarily disconnecting from a conversation
Essentially, whenever we shift our focus inward rather than staying present in the external world, we enter a trance. Even talking to ourselves internally is a form of trance.
Conscious vs. Unconscious Control
Trance states connect us to our unconscious mind—the part of us that operates beneath the surface, handling automatic functions like breathing, digesting food, and even falling asleep. You can’t consciously force yourself to digest a meal; it happens naturally. Similarly, young children spend much of their time in trance, acting instinctively rather than through deliberate reasoning.
Since hypnosis taps into this natural process, anything that draws attention inward—such as a word triggering a memory—can be considered hypnotic. Unlike the conscious mind, which thinks in a logical, linear manner (e.g., “If I do X, I get Y”), the unconscious mind follows different patterns and associations.
The Impact of Trance on Performance
Imagine walking across an 8-inch-wide plank positioned 100 feet above the ground. Looking down, you see tiny figures staring up at you from the concrete below, and fear grips your stomach. Now, imagine walking across that same plank just one foot off the ground—suddenly, it feels much easier. Why? The plank hasn’t changed, only your perception of risk.
When something is important—like a job interview or a high-stakes presentation—performance anxiety often kicks in. The conscious mind takes over, trying to control every detail. Instead of being present and engaged, we overthink, rehearse responses, and second-guess ourselves, which ironically makes us perform worse.
How Language Shapes Perception
Language has the power to shape emotional states. Writers, musicians, and storytellers use words to evoke feelings. Consider these phrases:
- “Pterodactyl, brontosaurus, and Stonehenge” might transport your mind to an ancient, prehistoric era.
- “Dark, slimy tombstones with vampire bats and grotesque gargoyles” creates a completely different mental image than “sunlit fields covered in wildflowers with a cool, bubbling stream.”
The way we phrase things matters. If a restaurant advertised its steaks as “as big as toilet seats,” customers might lose their appetite. (Thanks to Moe from The Simpsons for that example!)
When we communicate, our words and body language influence others in powerful ways. If we want someone to feel at ease, it’s best to use warm, open language rather than confrontation. Conversely, if we act aggressively, the other person is likely to become defensive rather than receptive.
The Power of Influence Through Conversational Hypnosis
Commands like “Move right now!” prompt an immediate reaction—whether compliance or resistance. But they rarely create a sense of calm or relaxation. If you want to persuade someone—whether for a job, a date, a business deal, or a discount—understanding conversational hypnosis helps you guide their emotional state, which in turn shapes the interaction.
Learning Conversational Hypnosis
One of the leading experts in this field is Igor Ledochowski, a renowned hypnotherapist and author of The Deep Trance Training Manual. His course, The Power of Conversational Hypnosis, offers advanced techniques to:
- Subtly influence and persuade people without them consciously realizing it
- Boost efficiency and achieve more in less time
- Embed suggestions directly into the unconscious mind with ease
By mastering conversational hypnosis, you can enhance your ability to communicate, influence, and create meaningful connections in everyday life.