The essential characteristics of a mentalist

Awe, wonder, excitement! All these are indicators that one has just witnessed something magical, something unbelievable, something that leaves the mind thinking about greater possibilities, something that would even become a conversation starter for weeks or so, as the mentalist does it again – engaging people with his performance and confidently encouraging his audience to believe what they just saw.

Image Source: eboosmagic.com

Mentalism is a technique of decoding the inscrutable human mind to understand the unspoken. It refers to the reading of a person’s mind with one’s intuitive abilities. Although mind reading is deemed to be a rare skill because of its sophisticated and complex nature, masterful execution is possible through years of training and experience.

Image Source: freemagicschool.com

In the performance and delivery of his piece, a mentalist stands out from his unique acts, serving as his distinct characteristic. Being consistently believable ensures the satisfaction of the audience from both the performance and the performer. In addition, the mentalist is can tailor his repertoire to his audience’s reactions, enthusiasm, and engagement. Specifically, the mentalist boosts his performance by:

1. Focusing on the audience and being captivating enough to hold their interest;

2. Invoking the power of persuasion, employing clarity, and engaging the audience;

3. Making the act personal and relevant, ensuring that the performance not only boggles the mind but touches the heart and soul, too; and

4. Sharing a magical moment with the crowd and suspending disbelief.

Image Source: bacuseventos.com

It is the goal of a mentalist to create an experience that the audience remembers for a long time. Just as magicians undergo intense preparations for a compelling show, mentalists, too, spend years of training to understand fully the workings of the human mind.  

Robert Channing is a world-renowned psychic entertainer and mentalist. Check out this website for Mr. Channing shows and performances.

The real deal: What audiences have to say about ESP shows

It was an act that stirred amazement and thundering approval both from the audience and judges of "America's Got Talent." When Robert Channing introduced himself, people thought it was just another speed painting stunt.

                                                      Video source: Robert Channing

But curiosity filled the audition area as soon as he started to paint broad, open strokes over the black canvas. "I don't see anything," wondered Nick Cannon at the backstage. The judges leaned forward in an attempt to figure out what's going on, but to no avail. And then, just as when his 90 seconds came to a close, a splash of gold glitter revealed a gleaming image of judge Howard Stern.

"I'm an enthusiastic yes," Stern exclaimed, who then went onstage to sign his autograph using the same intriguing strokes. The resounding yesses from the three other judges sealed the speed painter's entry to the next round.

Image Source: bigfrog104.com

In well under two minutes, Channing seamlessly perused all the right elements that make a stunning, praise-worthy act: a bit of drama, deftness of the hand, and a great deal of imagination. But long before his stint at the hit reality TV series, Channing has already enthralled big crowds at fundraisers, corporate shows, and college events with this artistic rendering of icons and figures.

Debra Douglas, managing director of CIBC World Markets, can attest to how shows like Channing's can astonish even the most skeptical minds, like investment bankers. Channing, she said, "managed to entertain, command their interest, and keep them talking about your performance for days afterward!"

Even New York Senator Joe Griffo, was nothing short of impressed. In one of Channing's shows, the statesman described the speed painter's talent as "tantalizing and purely intriguing."
 

                                                      Video source: Robert Channing

ESP performer and speed painter Robert Channing displays brilliant showmanship, making him a perfect alternative from the usual forms of entertainment. Contact him for performances through this website.

The most popular mentalist performances

Mentalism is a performance art, whereby the performer, known as a mentalist, displays what appear to be highly intuitive – even supernatural – abilities. Also known as psychic entertainment, mentalism is done purely for entertainment purposes, and it has no pretentions of portraying authentic paranormal acts.

 

Image Source: freemagicschool.com

The following are some of the most common mentalist performances incorporated by magicians, street performers, and even public speakers to their presentations:  

Telepathy

Telepathy is the transmission of information from one person to another, without any physical or sensory interaction. Essentially, it is the ability to use the mind to send messages to another person.  

 

Image Source: crystalinks.com

Clairvoyance

This is the ability to provide information about a person, object, or event through purportedly extra-sensory means without prior knowledge about the subjects. Clairvoyance is also known as remote viewing or telesthesia.  

Divination

Divination is the use of supernatural rituals to gain information. Some magicians employ elaborate rituals as part of their performance, making their shows not just psychic acts but also visual spectacles.  

 

Image Source: virginmedia.com

Precognition Also known as fortune-telling, precognition is the skill of describing events and occasions that have yet to happen.  

Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis is the ability to move objects or persons through non-physical means. An example is the old “floating lady” trick.  

Robert Channing is a world-renowned mentalist and motivational speaker. To learn more about his work and to request for a performance, visit his official website.