Chapter 2 - Some Basic Rules

There are some basic rules to remember in studying and in practicing hypnotism. Some of the most important ones to follow are:

1. Learn the subject thoroughly.
2. Be confident, but not conceited.
3. Let manner, words, voice and appearance show self-confidence.
4. The operator must avoid giving the impression that he is a beginner, even though that is true.
5. Cultivate a soothing manner and voice and create a feeling of trust and confidence in the subject.
6. Remove all fear of hypnotism harbored by the subject^ if you can possibly do so.
7. Never show excitement or uncertainty at any thing the subject does and never change voice perceptibly as would be done if excited. The reason for this is that the subject will obey only one voice and cannot reason under hypnosis. This will be explained later when we get into the theories of hypnotism.
8. Never hypnotize a minor or member of the opposite sex without a third person present, otherwise there might be disagreeable legal involvement. All persons are not honest.
9. Never hypnotize a person with heart trouble, subject to epileptic fits, or radical neurotic tendencies. There is no danger to such persons from hypnotism, but if a subject should die or have a fit while in hypnosis, it would be attributed to hypnosis, because of the mass ignorance concerning hypnotism.
10. For your first subject, always select a person who has been previously hypnotized, if possible; if this is not possible, select a very cooperative person. When giving first performances before an audience, always hypnotize subject before appearing before the audience, giving post-hypnotic suggestions for sleep on command. After a few appearances, this will not be necessary.
11. Never expect to obtain one hundred percent results, because some persons are not hypnotizable.
12. Do not be discouraged and lose confidence if a few failures are encountered. Always remember that what anyone else can do, you can do. Study harder; analyze your failure and the procedure you used. The failure may be in some slight and apparently in significant word or act.
13. Do not.talk too much about your ability to hypnotize. The best thing to do is to demonstrate your ability before mentioning it to your friends. Then they will believe you and appreciate your ability. Do not listen to "DOUBTING THOMASES" and do not try to perform where those present are permitted to make derogatory remarks within the hearing of your subjects.

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