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STUCK & LOCKED
Hands, fingers and eyes that seem impossible to move
1 OF 5 THIS SESSION• RANDOMLY SELECTED
YOUR TRICK
THE IMPOSSIBLE EYES
Make their eyelids feel so comfortably stuck that opening them seems impossible.
01
WHAT THEY SEE
The participant closes their eyes normally, then appears unable to open them during one brief test. Their expression often changes the instant they realise the eyelids really do feel unusually heavy and stuck.
02
WHAT YOU SAY
Close your eyes gently and let the muscles around them soften.
Imagine a comfortable line of warm glue settling across the eyelids, holding them closed without any effort from you.
The more you relax those tiny muscles, the more securely the eyelids seem to stay exactly where they are.
In a moment, only for a second, gently test them and notice they feel as though they would rather stay closed.
Test them now... just gently... and notice that stuck feeling.
Perfect. Stop testing and relax them again.
And now the glue disappears completely.
Take a breath, open your eyes normally, and feel completely alert and comfortable.
03
HOW TO DO IT
- Make sure the participant is comfortable and understands that the eye test will be gentle and very brief.
- Ask them to close the eyes normally; do not ask them to squeeze the eyelids shut.
- Focus your wording on relaxation around the eyes first, then introduce the image of comfortable glue or heaviness.
- Give the suggestion time to develop before asking for any test.
- Tell them explicitly to test only gently and only for a second. A slight flutter or hesitation is enough.
- The moment you see the eyelids remain closed, reinforce the response calmly and then stop the test.
- Remove the suggestion clearly and positively, invite a normal breath, and ask them to open their eyes fully.
- Check that they are comfortable and alert before moving on.
04
MAKE IT LOOK RIDICULOUSLY GOOD
THE SHOWMAN’S EDGE
01This effect is stronger when you speak more quietly than usual. The contrast makes the room naturally pay attention.
02Stand where the audience can see the participant’s face without you blocking it.
03Do not touch the eyelids or face. The absence of physical contact is part of what makes the demonstration impressive.
04Use only one brief test. Repeated eye squeezing turns a clean effect into something uncomfortable-looking.
05Watch for the participant’s tiny smile or eyebrow movement when they realise the eyes feel stuck. Let the audience see that reaction.
06When you release the effect, brighten your voice immediately so the transition back to normal is obvious and confident.
07Move straight on after the reaction instead of explaining the mechanism.
Never ask anyone to squeeze or strain their eyes. Use one gentle, brief test only and release immediately if there is any discomfort.
SAFE • RESPECTFUL • SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE