The Handshake Technique
The handshake technique is one of the fastest techniques used by Elman. In using it extensively it evolved from fast to super fast. Let’s start with the …
Original Technique With A Success Rate 5 Out Of 10
When he first started this technique he walked up to the subject and say:
“I’m going to shake your hand three times.
The first time your eyes will get tired… let them.
The second time, they’ll want to close… let them.
The third time they will lock and you won’t be able to open them…
Want that to happen, and watch it happen…
Now, one…two…
now close your eyes…
now three…
and they’re locked and you’ll find they just won’t work, no matter how hard you try.
The harder you try, the less they’ll work.
Test them, and you’ll find they won’t work at all . . .
That’s right. Now, that’s perfect eye-closure. ”
Originally, he used to think that this was hypnosis. Later, he realized it was merely the opening wedge into hypnosis, and this was an important finding, as you’ll find out later. So, this technique evolved into a …
Improved Technique: Success Rate 9 Out Of 10
He would shake hands with a person as he placed his left hand in front of the subject’s forehead, with the little finger of the left hand next to the face. Then he would say, “Keep your eyes on my hand as I bring it down under your chin,” and he would then bring his hand down along the profile of the face until it was under the chin.
“Now, close your eyes and relax the muscles around your eyes, relax them to the point where they will not work. When you’re sure they won’t work, test them.”
And by this simple technique, he would get excellent eye-closure.
Why is this technique so effective? There are quite a few reasons why the handshake induction is so effective and valuable.
The first reason is that you can observe what happens at close range, the second reason is that the handshake is a friendly gesture. It creates rapport and trust, which is very important. The handshake also tells you whether the person is receptive to suggestions because of his body warmth (which is one of the five signs of hypnosis). A cold hand says that the person is cold to the subject; a hot, wet hand says that the patient is liable to resist.
A warm hand tells you that you should be successful immediately.
