You Too Can Have "Automatic Mind Control"?

Do you remember the advertisements from the back pages of comics? All of those crazy novelty and gag items like a 7-foot Glow-In-The-Dark Frankenstein Monster, the ever-popular X-Ray Specs, Vanishing Ink, Soap that makes everything black, and my favorite, a book about “Automatic Mind Control”. Some of the items had redeeming qualities, while some were complete trash (Extra info: watch out for the 7-Foot Glow-In-The Dark Frankenstein Monster. It’s just a glow-in-the-dark picture of Frankenstein’s Monster on a white plastic sheet, basically a white trash bag). Although most of these things are codswallop, the “Automatic Mind Control” idea is based in fact. Many of the principles of mind control are known and used by government agencies, the military, and various cult organizations. At the root of this science are NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and basic subconscious direction. Some examples of subconscious direction and NLP are:

1. Handshaking – When shaking someone’s hand upon meeting them, you can send and receive signals about their intentions and/or personality. If their hand is facing more toward having their palm upward, it shows a predisposition to taking a submissive position. Facing down, of course, means just the opposite. This interaction can set the tone for a meeting.


2. Eye Contact – One simple way to exert some degree of control over someone during a meeting is to make constant eye contact. Most people feel uncomfortable having prolonged eye contact. A sign that it is working can be seen in the other person’s eye movements. Their eyes will usually start to dart back and forth to avoid this intense eye contact. Since they have now been put on edge, they will probably more likely to agree with what you are saying just to get out of this situation.


3. Voice – One of the simplest ways to establish control of a situation is to speak with a strong, confident, even tone. This immediately sets the tone concerning who is the authority figure. The other person will usually drop their guard and be more likely to go along with what you are saying or suggesting.


4. Mirror then Lead – This technique works best in a one-on-one situation. The idea is to behave like the mirror image of the person. If they cross their leg, you cross your leg. If they lace their fingers together, you lace your fingers together. It is also important to try to match the meter and tone of their speech and voice. After doing this for a while you can test them by uncrossing your leg. If they uncross their leg, try unlacing your fingers. If they perform both of these actions after you do, it is a good sign that they are following you now. Next you can present your ideas and they will be more likely to follow. A simple demonstration of the power of this technique can be seen by doing something simple like checking your watch. If a person is in tune with you, 9 times out of 10 they will check their watch too.

The foundation of all of this psychological hocus-pocus is that if you act like a leader, people will be more likely to follow you. Now go out into the world and control people to your hearts content. Try it when chatting up the babes/dudes at the club or in a job interview. Be careful with your new found powers and refrain from amassing a Legion of Terror wearing ominous black jumpsuits and helmets with face concealing plexiglass visors.