Reading

Reading is a technique used in mentalism to give the illusion of psychic or clairvoyant ability. The techniques used within this field of mentalism are used by scam artists, psychics, mediums, spiritualists and other types of charlatans every day of the week to fuel a multi billion dollar industry based around deception. The techniques themselves are relatively simple once learned, however mastering them and applying them to every situation can become an artform.

An artist's depiction of a mentalist performing a cold reading technique on a skeptical audience member.

Reading is divided into one of three categories: cold reading, warm reading and hot reading. Each one of these three types of reading attempt to prove to the subject that the reader has such an innate knowledge about the subject, that the reader must have some paranormal ability. In reality, no such thing is possible, and by following the posts within this category you will learn the exact techniques used to give the illusion of psychic or clairvoyant abilities.

When we refer to ‘reading’, we refer to the ability of being able to pick up on a person’s past, and what they’re currently thinking. Many people mistake this as purely a way of analyzing body language, when in fact this comprises only a very small part of cold reading.

Illustration of a mentalist using tarrot cards as a form of warm reading

To begin with, let’s differentiate between the various types of reading -

Cold Reading:

Cold reading is the ability to ‘read’ a person whilst having very little, if any knowledge about the person. This form of reading is the most difficult as it requires great skill and experience to be able to make statements based upon observations and reactions alone. This is the form of reading that we will be covering the most, and its mastery will ensure that just about any stranger will be convinced that you can read their mind.

Warm Reading:

Warm reading consists of making generalised statements that apply to most people, and hoping that the statements will also apply to the person being read. By making general statements, and wording them in such a way that a person thinks the statement applies only to them, warm reading can give the illusion that the reader has great insight into the emotions and personality of the person being read.

Hot Reading:

Hot reading involves having a background knowledge about a person, without the person being aware of it. The reader gives the impression that they’ve somehow acquired knowledge about the person through some pseudopsychological or paranormal means, without the person realising that the reader already had access to such information before the reading took place. This form of reading is the most powerful when executed correctly, however is limited to people that you have already done background research on.

A secretive figure researching a target for hot reading, surrounded by notes and digital information.