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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 FINGER LOCK CHALLENGE
A ten-second “try it now” challenge that creates a surprising moment of resistance.
01
WHAT THEY SEE
They press two fingertips together while imagining them bonded by strong adhesive. When invited to test the fingers, some people notice a brief hesitation, stickiness or resistance before they separate.
02
WHAT YOU SAY
Let’s do one that takes less than a minute.
Press the tips of your two index fingers gently together — not hard.
Imagine there is a single drop of extremely strong adhesive between those fingertips.
Press once and imagine it setting immediately.
Now, the more you think about pulling them apart, the more obvious that sticky resistance can feel.
In a moment, just test them. Do not strain.
One... two... three... try to separate the fingertips and notice the very first sensation.
And release. Shake your hands loose.
03
HOW TO DO IT
- Ask the participant to touch the pads or tips of the index fingers together using light pressure only.
- Emphasise that this is a sensation test, not a strength test. They should never strain against the suggestion.
- Use a simple adhesive image and allow a few seconds for them to focus on the contact point.
- Build a short shared countdown, then ask them to test the fingers for only a second or two.
- Watch for hesitation, a slower-than-expected separation, facial surprise, or a report of stickiness. Any of these can be the demonstration.
- Say “release” promptly and have them shake the hands loose.
- If there is no noticeable resistance, remain casual and move on. Sceptic Busters should feel playful, never like pass/fail hypnosis testing.
04
MAKE IT LOOK RIDICULOUSLY GOOD
THE SHOWMAN’S EDGE
01Keep this very fast. Its strength is that the participant barely has time to build expectations before they test it.
02Use the phrase “notice the very first sensation” rather than demanding that the fingers become impossible to separate.
03Deliver the three-count crisply. The countdown gives the test a clear performance beat.
04Watch their expression at the moment they test. A tiny delay plus a surprised face often sells the effect better than exaggerated sticking.
05Never tell someone they failed if nothing happens. Say “good — let’s try a different one” and keep the energy moving.
06Release immediately after the test. The effect should feel safe, temporary and completely under control.
Use only light fingertip pressure. Nobody should squeeze, strain or continue through finger, hand or wrist discomfort.
SAFE • RESPECTFUL • SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE