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Reality is Plastic. The Art of Impromptu Hypnosis.
This book is about hypnosis and how to use it effectively. It will teach you what hypnosis is and how to hypnotise both individuals and groups of people any time and anywhere you choose. No prior experience of hypnosis is required to understand and apply the knowledge in this book. The techniques are deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful. They are entirely practical and have been road-tested over many years, with thousands of people.
This seminal book is renowned by hypnotists around the world, whether they are hobbyists or professionals.
The author is a vastly experienced hypnotist, hypnotherapist and trainer.
Originally written in 2007, this is the updated edition from 2016.
This seminal book is renowned by hypnotists around the world, whether they are hobbyists or professionals.
The author is a vastly experienced hypnotist, hypnotherapist and trainer.
Originally written in 2007, this is the updated edition from 2016.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 24, 2017
An excellent primer if you are looking for a quick induction (heh) into the world of hypnosis.
January 31, 2019
Super interesting. Wish I had the balls to get all reality is plastic on people... but I'm your mild mannered teacher. When it became apparent, over 3/4 of the way through that I'll never hypnotize people at parties, I left the last little bit of this book unread. Compelling. If you're in to hypnotism, read it.
August 2, 2019
A very interesting book.
I am new to hypnosis and this is much easier to follow than anything I've read by or about Milton Erickson. I feel those books are more advanced around the use of subtle language. Reality is plastic is more focused on getting people under hypnosis (with their clear consent).
While reading this I hypnotised two people and there has been a noticeable effect in both cases.
I would recommend this book to anyone new to the subject or perhaps looking for an alternative viewpoint. The author comes across as very knowledgeable in his field.
I am new to hypnosis and this is much easier to follow than anything I've read by or about Milton Erickson. I feel those books are more advanced around the use of subtle language. Reality is plastic is more focused on getting people under hypnosis (with their clear consent).
While reading this I hypnotised two people and there has been a noticeable effect in both cases.
I would recommend this book to anyone new to the subject or perhaps looking for an alternative viewpoint. The author comes across as very knowledgeable in his field.
July 1, 2022
I regret picking up this book.
Few stories from Anthony about 'the art of impromptu hypnosis' tho, so 2stars.
Few stories from Anthony about 'the art of impromptu hypnosis' tho, so 2stars.
December 20, 2021
Brief, but interesting, introduction to the hows and whys of hypnosis. Could have gone more in-depth into the psychology of how it works and more suggestions (no pun intended) on things that aspiring hypnotists could do, as well as more on how to handle things not going the way you intend. Book tends to assume that it will always be successful, but that's unlikely to always be the case, so some more tips on handling failure would be a benefit.
March 5, 2025
It is a interesting book with some useful information, but like a lot of authors trying to make a lot of money from book sales, he really oversells a lot of stuff. For example, you can't change someones world view through a handshake. He also says things like "Please keep in mind that morals and ethics are just a surface veneer maintained for social acceptance." If you are only moral to try to be accepted by your friends I think you are just telling on yourself
September 7, 2013
Written more for street hypnotists, this book and accompanying videos on youtube, provide a number of routines with well thought out explanations to approaching street hypnosis while keeping the safety and respect for those participating in mind.
Did Not Finish
June 17, 2026Your attitude, persona, and confidence carry the most weight. Your words must sound right to you and and be easily understood. Aim to communicate directly with the unconscious. How long a subject can be hypnotized is reliant on the skill of the hypnotist and the attitude of the subject. Hypnosis does not require the patient to be relaxed. Hypnosis is the art of presenting ideas directly to the receptive unconscious mind. The five things that are useful to do when hypnotizing someone are: remove fear, eliminate misconceptions, increase expectancy, fire up the imagination, and take control. The easiest way to induce someone is just to take control, meaning quickly hypnotizing someone before they can be afraid. Rapid inductions include the Instant Induction, handshake induction, and Jacquin Power Induction. If you are not using a rapid induction, a few choice words are fine. Taking control does not mean being nosy or pushy, but you must be the dominant party. This can be achieved by asking your subject to do something. "Can you love your chair slightly to one side. Now you can put your feet on the ground, your hands comfortably in your lap and look at me." If they are standing then adjust their position and ask them to place their feet together. When you tell a subject that you are a hypnotist, their expectation that they will be hypnotized and their imagination about what will happen will fire up. You can leverage this. Be genuinely imaginative and excited for your subject. Aim to get them fascinated with you, the process of hypnotizing, and the idea of being hypnotized. The easiest way to tell if someone is hypnotized is if they follow a suggestion that you give.
Other natural signs of hypnotism are eyes flickering like REM, temperature rise, eyes rolling back, breathing shift, glazed or teary eyes, heavy head with slight encouragement. You can use natural signs to enhance the trance or connect them to the next step by bringing them to the subjects awareness, creating a feedback loop of believing they are hypnotized. "As you eyes flicker your hand is getting lighter and lighter, lifting upwards." "You can notice your arm lifting and notice it is loving is kind of jerky reflex movements. That is because your unconscious is moving your arm. It allows your conscious kind to move it smoothly but your unconscious moves it in this more reflex like way. For the purposes of impromptu hypnosis, become a master at getting your subject to develop catalepsy. Set pieces are often thought of and used as tests of suggestibility. The set piece fires up the imagination, focuses attention and, increases expectancy that they will be hypnotized. The set piece can also be used as the induction as opposed to the prerunner to it, which is the most overlooked application. Many people do not use set pieces because of you fail then it becomes more difficult to hypnotize the subject. There is no need to present the set piece as a test, that way their is no possibility of failure. It is fine to say, "let me show you something interesting", "let's try something", or call them an "exercise in concentration". For magnetic fingers you can say "I don't want you to push them together or try to keep them apart, I just want you to comcentrate, imagine your hands are magnets and your body will respond." Don't mention squeezing hands together for the magnetic fingers, to not bring attention to the physiological aspect. After magnetic fingers, you can go immediately into a stronger test, such as Magnetic Hands or stiff arm. Or you can proceed immediately into an induction. For Magnetic hands demonstrate exactly what the subject has to do and what will happen before asking the subject to do it, to increase success. "This time I really want you to use your imagination, sonin a moment I will ask you to close your eyes." At this time you can observe for signs of hypnosis or REM. When the hands touch, this is your opportunity to link it to something else. You can say that they can relax and are doing well, and will go into hypnosis easily or you could say that as their hands touch their hands touch, their head will fall forward and they will go into a deep sleep. In any Set Piece it is important that what the subject is being asked to do is not objectionable. Present set pieces as a demonstration of the subjects ability to concentrate and use their imagination. Take the time to congratulate and flatter them. It is better to master 1 or 2 inductions than to simply know a few. Typically as soon as you have some success with a set piece, you are one suggestion away from hypnosis. Confidence, certainty, and a matter of fact attitude go a long way in making the induction work.
Other natural signs of hypnotism are eyes flickering like REM, temperature rise, eyes rolling back, breathing shift, glazed or teary eyes, heavy head with slight encouragement. You can use natural signs to enhance the trance or connect them to the next step by bringing them to the subjects awareness, creating a feedback loop of believing they are hypnotized. "As you eyes flicker your hand is getting lighter and lighter, lifting upwards." "You can notice your arm lifting and notice it is loving is kind of jerky reflex movements. That is because your unconscious is moving your arm. It allows your conscious kind to move it smoothly but your unconscious moves it in this more reflex like way. For the purposes of impromptu hypnosis, become a master at getting your subject to develop catalepsy. Set pieces are often thought of and used as tests of suggestibility. The set piece fires up the imagination, focuses attention and, increases expectancy that they will be hypnotized. The set piece can also be used as the induction as opposed to the prerunner to it, which is the most overlooked application. Many people do not use set pieces because of you fail then it becomes more difficult to hypnotize the subject. There is no need to present the set piece as a test, that way their is no possibility of failure. It is fine to say, "let me show you something interesting", "let's try something", or call them an "exercise in concentration". For magnetic fingers you can say "I don't want you to push them together or try to keep them apart, I just want you to comcentrate, imagine your hands are magnets and your body will respond." Don't mention squeezing hands together for the magnetic fingers, to not bring attention to the physiological aspect. After magnetic fingers, you can go immediately into a stronger test, such as Magnetic Hands or stiff arm. Or you can proceed immediately into an induction. For Magnetic hands demonstrate exactly what the subject has to do and what will happen before asking the subject to do it, to increase success. "This time I really want you to use your imagination, sonin a moment I will ask you to close your eyes." At this time you can observe for signs of hypnosis or REM. When the hands touch, this is your opportunity to link it to something else. You can say that they can relax and are doing well, and will go into hypnosis easily or you could say that as their hands touch their hands touch, their head will fall forward and they will go into a deep sleep. In any Set Piece it is important that what the subject is being asked to do is not objectionable. Present set pieces as a demonstration of the subjects ability to concentrate and use their imagination. Take the time to congratulate and flatter them. It is better to master 1 or 2 inductions than to simply know a few. Typically as soon as you have some success with a set piece, you are one suggestion away from hypnosis. Confidence, certainty, and a matter of fact attitude go a long way in making the induction work.
October 31, 2018
A fantastic primer into the world of hypnosis.
I listened to this atleast 3 times on my roadtrip through Mexico (from Mexico city to Guadalajara).
The author explains the history of hypnosis, and how it became incredibly clinical with Milton Erickson.
He throws in a few opinionated pieces into the mix, and focuses as much as possible on the scientific/pseudo-interpretation of what hypnosis is (but very briefly).
Ultimately, the stories of hypnotizing random strangers was quite fun to listen to, even though I'm sure the author expanded upon this much deeper than he reveals.
Unfortunately, I listened to this audiobook roughly 7 months ago, so it's a bit stale in my memory, but overall, after 3 listens, I can safely say that it was probably a great book.
I listened to this atleast 3 times on my roadtrip through Mexico (from Mexico city to Guadalajara).
The author explains the history of hypnosis, and how it became incredibly clinical with Milton Erickson.
He throws in a few opinionated pieces into the mix, and focuses as much as possible on the scientific/pseudo-interpretation of what hypnosis is (but very briefly).
Ultimately, the stories of hypnotizing random strangers was quite fun to listen to, even though I'm sure the author expanded upon this much deeper than he reveals.
Unfortunately, I listened to this audiobook roughly 7 months ago, so it's a bit stale in my memory, but overall, after 3 listens, I can safely say that it was probably a great book.
January 26, 2019
Conheci o Anthony Jacquin seu pai e o Freddy Jacquin, no Rio de Janeiro, através da minha namorada, Giselle Khoury. Tivemos o prazer de passar 2 dias com eles e pude observar de forma prática a arte da hipnose impromptu e seus detalhes. Fiquei bastante surpreso com a efetividade e velocidade das técnicas.
Este é um livro prático para atuação pontual. Não se detém muito na parte teórica ou conceitual, indo logo para alguns exercícios e procedimentos. Exatamente àquilo a que se propõem. Excelente para quem está iniciando no assunto ou para aqueles que já praticam a hipnose.
Este é um livro prático para atuação pontual. Não se detém muito na parte teórica ou conceitual, indo logo para alguns exercícios e procedimentos. Exatamente àquilo a que se propõem. Excelente para quem está iniciando no assunto ou para aqueles que já praticam a hipnose.
January 13, 2026
I have no plans to start hypnotizing anyone anytime soon, but I was curious about the experience of hypnosis in general and this little book written for aspiring hypnotists has well satisfied that curiosity. He’s definitely overselling it with some of those examples, but I didn’t mind (I suppose that’s a skill you’d need to become a hypnotist, anyway).
February 15, 2020
Street hypnosis really isn't my thing, but this book has me very interested in building the courage up to give it a try!
A fun entertaining and educational read.
A fun entertaining and educational read.
April 11, 2020
excellent book, highly recommended
April 27, 2020
Excellent book on revealing the mystery of hypnosis, also a step to step guide to carry out impromptu hypnosis.
May 9, 2020
Um bom início para aprender hipnose clássica e rápida.
October 16, 2020
Works great. Best book for impromptu hypnosis. Well explained.
July 12, 2021
Don't get trapped into buying books that seem like a quick learning experience.
Always get disappointed.
Always get disappointed.
January 30, 2022
Might be good if you have an interest in hypnosis or are a hypnotist. Unfortunately I’m not either and just went through this as it was still on my Amazon wish list from 10 years ago for some reason
December 30, 2022
Sarei molto cauto...
July 7, 2023
Well written, a bit slow.
Focuses on inductions which as a non hypnotist have no use for me but Anthony shares some interesting theory of the mind and unique stories.
Focuses on inductions which as a non hypnotist have no use for me but Anthony shares some interesting theory of the mind and unique stories.
September 21, 2023
Excelente libro introductorio al mundo de la hipnosis.
March 17, 2024
Just a fantastic book for the introduction and explaining all the stuff.
I have already read several books about hypnosis and consider this one of the best. Highly recommend it.
I have already read several books about hypnosis and consider this one of the best. Highly recommend it.
May 17, 2024
very cool
Pretty straightforward book about hypnosis. Still need to practice more, but insightful & thought provoking. Was able to use it for self hypnosis.
Pretty straightforward book about hypnosis. Still need to practice more, but insightful & thought provoking. Was able to use it for self hypnosis.
February 15, 2025
Impromptu hypnosis
An excellent book with plenty of ideas to use and practice. Practice is the operative word. The more you practice the better you will become.
An excellent book with plenty of ideas to use and practice. Practice is the operative word. The more you practice the better you will become.
April 13, 2025
Great book for beginners…
July 12, 2025
Solid introduction to in-promptu hypnosis
December 30, 2025
Good book but so repetative.
January 23, 2026
Good techniques and simple to follow. Learning the theory is easy enough, but it's going to be harder to actually put it into practice.
February 18, 2026
Very basic, detailed in annex. Now something is wrong with recognising the dates. Ugh come on Goodreads !
Read
March 22, 202635% confused as hell...Perhaps this wasn't beginner-friendly at all, or it wasn't explained simply enough.
Need another book reference to know what's going on... - Those exercises were so exhausting, I’m considering renting out my head😤
Need another book reference to know what's going on... - Those exercises were so exhausting, I’m considering renting out my head😤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews