97. Learn NLP From the World's Greatest Hypnotist and Human Lie Detector with Mike Mandel

My guest today is Mike Mandel. Mike is intimately familiar with topics such as hypnosis, influence, and handwriting analysis, with 6 awards and 18 nominations to support that fact. We talk about the correlation between handwriting and crime, and whether or not you can adapt your writing to change your personality. He’ll teach you tricks of persuasion and tools for understanding yourself and others. You won’t want to miss this conversation with a man who is widely regarded as the world’s greatest hypnotist. Find Out More About Mike Here: mikemandelhypnosis.com Mike’s podcast Mike on YouTube @MandelHypnosis on Twitter In This Episode: [01:24] - Stephan shares a quick story about his first meeting with Mike, who then explains more about what he did during the incident in question. [06:51] - Mike explains how he can use the techniques he’s been describing in real life rather than in the particular situation he’s talked about. [08:07] - Mike discusses the patterns of eye movements and what these can indicate about a person’s thinking patterns. [11:37] - We learn more about the trick of having someone tell a story backwards to see whether it’s true. Mike then offers another tip for detecting lies. [13:16] - About 80% of people in the American penitentiary system have a trait in common in their handwriting. Mike then tells a story about reading a postcard from his late father and finding a deceit in it. [16:40] Does eliminating negative traits in your handwriting make you a better person? [18:15] - Mike offers a couple of tips for how listeners can add strength and power to their personality with simple handwriting changes. [19:57] - Stephan brings up some characteristics of his own handwriting, and Mike addresses what they mean. [22:48] - Mike discusses the types of handwriting he’s looked into, and describes how to access his entire graphology training. [24:22] - We learn more about how the words we use change our experiences. Mike points out that learning a new language changes our perception of time, and discusses the use of the word “try.” [27:21] - What are some words we should avoid when trying to influence someone? As part of his answer, Mike offers a powerful story of why it’s so important to tell someone under stress to “remain calm” rather than “don’t panic.” [31:36] - Mike moves on from talking about “don’t” to talking about “can’t.” He then discusses offering a double bind, in which either of two alternatives gets you exactly what you want. [35:13] - Two incredibly powerful words you can use to amplify someone’s behavior are incredibly simple: “that’s right.” [37:09] - Mike explains the power of the word “because” through a compelling (and entertaining) story about getting a teenager to clean his room. [43:05] - Stephan jokingly tries Mike’s techniques back on him. [43:58] - Mike shares one of his favorite moments from being a therapist. [47:49] - Mike turns the story he has just shared into a valuable takeaway for listeners, explaining how to apply the technique to everyday situations. [49:30] - How can you persuade someone to give you what something like a hotel room upgrade (for example) for free? [52:59] - We learn why not to ask someone “what’s wrong?”, but rather “what do you want?”. Mike then explains the power of quoting someone (anyone!) else when you’re saying something unpleasant. [55:51] - Mike talks about how to learn more from him and take advantage of the training that he offers. Links and Resources: mikemandelhypnosis.com Mike’s podcast Mike on YouTube @MandelHypnosis on Twitter Neil Strauss Ontario Police College Eye accessing patterns Richard Bandler John Grinder The felon’s claw Andrea McNichol Mike’s graphology training Arrival Milton Erickson Robert Cialdini Influence Hebb’s Law Transderivational search