If you go to consult a psychic, the first thing you want to know is
whether this person is really psychic or not. Most people are aware that charlatans
coexist side-by-side with genuinely gifted psychics; it's a lucrative profession and the
only quality control is word-of-mouth reports. A little psychology and common sense can
reduce the risk of "being taken for a ride."
Essentially, to give a persuasive reading, pseudo-psychics must rely not on psi, but on
inferences and clever interviewing techniques. Information can be gleaned from a wide
range of subtle clues, and combined with past experience and knowledge. By paying close
attention to details of the client's appearance and behavior (weight, gestures and
posture, choice of clothes and jewelry, vocabulary and style of speech, etc.), the
pseudo-psychic can deduce the client's socio-economic status, lifestyle, and personality
traits (reserved or extroverted, conservative or adventurous, etc.). Also, from past
experience, the pseudo-psychic knows the kinds of issues which most often lead a person to
consult a psychic -- professional, financial, relational or health problems.
They will make general assertions that could apply to many individuals and will try to get
clients to talk a lot, inviting them to elaborate on every new point, while closely
observing their behavior. Given the data at hand, some good "guestimates" can be
made as to the question preoccupying the client, and subtly tested. It may suffice to make
a general assertion and observe reactions; expressive gestures such as head-shaking,
involuntary signs such as pupil-dilation or change in breathing patterns -- all this will
help to orient the reading and help the pseudo-psychic make the right guess. |
