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SCEPTIC BUSTERS
For the “it won’t work on me” types
1 OF 5 THIS SESSION• RANDOMLY SELECTED
YOUR TRICK
THE INVISIBLE LIFT
Have one hand begin rising while they actively concentrate on not lifting it deliberately.
01
WHAT THEY SEE
They rest one hand comfortably and imagine invisible balloons or a light cord attached to the wrist. Small finger or wrist changes appear first, followed by a gradual lift that can feel as though the arm is moving by itself.
02
WHAT YOU SAY
Rest your hand comfortably and let the whole arm become loose.
I want you to be especially careful not to lift it deliberately.
Instead, imagine a very light cord attached around your wrist, going straight upwards.
At the top of that cord are several helium balloons, gently taking up the slack.
Do nothing. Just notice whether a finger becomes lighter... whether the wrist changes... whether the hand feels slightly less heavy against your leg.
And if the hand begins to move, let it happen at its own speed rather than helping it.
That’s it. Even a few centimetres is enough.
Now imagine the cord being released and let the hand settle back down comfortably.
03
HOW TO DO IT
- Seat the participant and have the chosen hand resting naturally on the thigh or another comfortable surface.
- Tell them explicitly not to lift the arm on purpose. This makes small involuntary-feeling changes easier for them to notice.
- Use a light upward image such as helium balloons or a cord gently pulling at the wrist.
- Begin with tiny sensory possibilities — a lighter finger, a shift at the wrist, less pressure against the leg — rather than demanding a dramatic arm rise immediately.
- When movement begins, reinforce only what is actually happening. “That’s it, just let that continue” is enough.
- Stop after a clear change or modest lift. There is no need to chase a hand all the way above the head.
- Release the image and let the arm return to rest before discussing the experience.
04
MAKE IT LOOK RIDICULOUSLY GOOD
THE SHOWMAN’S EDGE
01This works well after Magnetic Fingers because the participant has already experienced one small automatic response.
02Start with the hand resting rather than held in mid-air. Movement away from a visible resting point is easier for an audience to appreciate.
03Keep your own hands away from theirs. An invisible effect is stronger when there is no physical cueing.
04Use increasingly quiet language as the hand starts to rise. The silence makes everyone watch more closely.
05Do not celebrate too early. Let the participant notice the movement themselves whenever possible.
06Finish on a modest, clean response. A genuine five-centimetre lift looks better than forcing a reluctant arm into a theatrical pose.
Keep the participant seated and the arm movement small and comfortable. Stop immediately for shoulder, neck, arm, elbow or wrist discomfort.
SAFE • RESPECTFUL • SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE