There she was, standing in the middle of the stage, a hundred eyes looking at her. They were all waiting for her to say the color of the animal she had thought of.
“Gray,” she finally said.
The man standing beside her looked out into the sea of people, turned back to her, and smiled. He didn’t ask for confirmation. He told her, without a shadow of a doubt, what was already in her head.
“A gray elephant from Denmark,” he said.
And he was right.
In this article, we’re going to answer the question, “what exactly is a mentalist? Can they really read minds?”
Let’s find out.
The Method Behind Mentalism
The best mentalists can make it seem like they can read your mind. Some say it’s magic — but mentalism is more than that.
Mentalism is both a science and an art.
The methods used to simulate mind-reading, divination, or psychic ability are in body language, suggestion, misdirection, power of persuasion, and much more. That, plus great showmanship that delivers these tricks with flair and drama.
In the end, the success of a mentalism act depends on the person performing it – the one where science and art meet to produce an unbelievable experience. It all comes down to the mentalist.
The Man Behind the Method
If mentalism is a performance that, if done correctly, makes people think a person has extraordinary powers or great mental prowess, then a mentalist is a performing artist.
They use misdirection, making you place your focus elsewhere while guiding your thoughts to a specific set of information at the same time.
Sounds complicated? That’s because it is.
Mentalists plant a thought inside your head without you knowing, then bring this piece of information to light by “guessing” it. It makes them look like they’re capable of seeing inside your head.
In truth, mentalists do so much more than just guesswork.
To be a successful mentalist, you need to have a deep understanding of human behavior and thought processes. However, it’s not just about setting up your subject by letting them go through a carefully selected mental process.
It’s also banking on people’s predictability. For example, it’s anticipating that people will say Denmark when asked to think of a country that begins with a letter D and picture an elephant when told to think of an animal whose name starts with an E.
Some mentalists include traditional tools of magic, such as card tricks, while others only center on suggestions and reading body language.
As you might expect, mentalists need to have above-par observation skills and pay excellent attention to details. This allows them to push the right buttons to lead their subject to a particular word or image.
In short, being a mentalist means having a specific set of skills that appear to be supernatural powers. And, just like other skills, it can be developed as long as you put in the time and effort.
What Makes a Mentalist?
There are several qualities that successful mentalists share. Here are some of them:
Mentalists are adept at advanced memory techniques
Having the ability to remember numbers, images, or large amounts of information is a great advantage.
The most popular mentalists are known for their exceptional mindfulness. Their ability to focus on specific things allows them to dedicate extended periods to their own development. It also allows them to notice the slightest responses from their subjects during a performance.
Mentalists are extremely obsessive
Attention to detail is a necessity for mentalists. It helps them repeat specific actions over and over again until the technique feels natural to them. Continuously practicing their performance requires a great deal of discipline and patience, but mentalists understand it pays off in the end.
Mentalists don’t let their fear get the better of them
A mentalist act requires a lot of preparation. Those who are just starting may find simple techniques complicated. More than that, it’s not just the material they have to learn but also the best way to deliver it to get the intended results.
Continuous practice helps build confidence, so by the time they’re performing, there’s no sign of doubt in their abilities.
Mentalists read human behavior
Being capable of reading body language is a great trait. Mentalists often focus on non-verbal behavior. They don’t just pay attention to what is said, but how it’s delivered. They train themselves in subconscious communication, which helps uncover a person’s thoughts.
Mentalists know how to use a stage
It ranges from knowing where and how to stand to be able to project their voice. Most people become uncomfortable with silence, but mentalists use it to their advantage.
Mentalists must be passionate about mentalis
Nothing about being a mentalist is easy. Routines need to be practiced, which takes time and effort, and performances have to be reviewed. This way, areas that went well can be repeated, and those that didn’t can be improved.
Newer mentalists sometimes use a script – this is infinitely better than trying to wing it on stage. They also continuously hone their skills, learning and reading more about mentalism using various platforms.
Tips on Becoming a Mentalist
Interested in becoming a mentalist?
Whether it’s to perform in front of thousands or just impress your friends and family, being a mentalist is a continuous process. The road won’t always be easy, so here are a few things to help you along:
It’s okay to fail but learn from your mistakes
No matter how much you practice, there are times when it still doesn’t work out. Always remember that you’ll learn more from your failures than your successes. If you fail at first, don’t stop — you can always find ways to make yourself better.
Avoid practicing with familiar subjects
Trying to mind-read someone who knows you well doesn’t make it easier – it makes it more challenging. You’ll need to use more advanced skills to impress them, break down their defenses, or meet their expectations.
That is also the reason why rehearsing with family is discouraged. You’ll be better off choosing an audience that isn’t made up of family members. Chances are, you’ve discussed your tricks with them or have shown some part of your performance, making it difficult to make them buy into the illusion.
Make your subjects comfortable
Being friendly and starting with compliments put people at ease. In turn, it puts their minds at ease and lowers their defenses.
Don’t let talent make you lazy
The activities involved in mentalism come easier for some people (some have an excellent memory, so it’s easier for them to remember large quantities of information).
It’s a good thing… until it lulls you into a false sense of security, which often makes “winging it” tempting.
Always keep in mind that hard work, discipline, and constant effort are needed to develop the best version of yourself as a mentalist.
The road to becoming a mentalist isn’t short or painless. But if you’re decided about pursuing this field, don’t get into it half-heartedly. Make sure you’re ready to put in the work to become the best version of what kind of mentalist you want to be.
Conclusion
What is a mentalist?
A mentalist is a performer. They perform mind tricks to make audiences believe they can read minds. In reality, they are only experts in body language, the power of suggestion and persuasion, human behavior, and a lot more.
Can you become a mentalist?
Of course! But you need to put on the hard work and practice to master it.