Ever wish you could help someone with just a few words?

Imagine this: you’re chatting with a friend, and they’re venting about something they’re stuck on—a job they hate, a decision they can’t make, or a change they know they need but can’t seem to take the first step toward. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could gently guide them toward clarity and action without being pushy?

Well, you can! In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, powerful conversational hypnosis method that leverages the natural flow of a conversation to help someone make positive changes.

This isn’t about trickery or manipulation. It’s about understanding how the mind works and using that knowledge ethically and skillfully. So, let’s dive in and learn how to amplify emotions, bypass the critical faculty (that inner skeptic), and drop in embedded commands—all in a way that feels organic and helpful.

Why Emotions Hold the Key to Change

Emotions are the language of the unconscious mind. When someone is deeply connected to their emotions—whether they’re excited, frustrated, or overwhelmed—their critical faculty (the part of the mind that judges and filters suggestions) steps aside.

This principle is supported by legends in the hypnosis field, such as André Weitzenhoffer and George Estabrooks, as well as modern experts like Freddy Jacquin and Mike Mandel. They all agree: strong emotions create the ideal environment for suggestions to take root. When you understand how to guide someone into this state during a normal conversation, you can help them unlock the solutions they already possess within themselves.

The Step-by-Step Method

Here’s how you can use this approach in your everyday conversations. It’s simple, effective, and feels natural when done right.

Step 1: Start with the Problem

Every great change starts with a problem. When someone opens up about an issue they are facing, it’s a golden opportunity to help them move forward. Maybe they say something like:

• “I just want to quit my job. I can’t stand it anymore!”

• “I really need to get in shape, but I never stick with it.”

• “I’ve been meaning to start that project, but I just can’t get motivated.”

Notice the emotional weight behind these statements. That’s your cue to step in—not with solutions (at least, not yet)—but with questions that help them explore their feelings more deeply.

Step 2: Amplify the Emotion

The next step is to amplify their emotional state. This isn’t about making them feel worse; it’s about helping them connect fully with their emotions so that their unconscious mind is primed for change.

You can do this by asking open-ended questions that encourage them to dive deeper into their experience:

• “How bad do you feel about it right now?”
• “What’s the most frustrating part of all this?”
• “What does that stuck feeling really feel like for you?”

As they talk, listen closely and reflect their language back to them. If they say, “I feel stuck,” you might respond with, “So, you feel stuck—what’s that like for you?” This not only builds rapport but also deepens their emotional involvement.

Step 3: Feedback and Amplify

This part is crucial. As you amplify their emotions, you’re creating an internal state where change is not only possible but also desirable. By feeding back their words and helping them focus on the problem, you’re setting the stage for a powerful suggestion.

For example, if your friend says, “I’m so frustrated with my job—I just can’t take it anymore,” you might say:

• “It sounds like you’re really at the end of your rope. What’s the worst part about it for you?”

This might seem counterintuitive—after all, why make them feel worse? But here’s the secret: people often need to fully connect with their pain before they are ready to let it go.

Step 4: Introduce Embedded Commands

Once their emotions are strong, it’s time to plant a helpful suggestion. Embedded commands are subtle, positive phrases hidden within ordinary conversation. They bypass the critical faculty and go straight to the unconscious mind.

For example, if your friend is frustrated with their job, you might say:

• “Some people find it easy to quit your job when the time feels right.”
  (Embedded command: quit your job when the time feels right).

Or if they’re struggling to get in shape:

• “You know, some people just start taking small steps, and before they know it, they’re in the best shape of their life.”
• (Embedded command: start taking small steps).

The beauty of embedded commands is their subtlety. They don’t feel like advice or persuasion—they are just part of the conversation.

Why Does This Work?

This method is effective because it combines two core principles of hypnosis:

1. Emotional Amplification: Strong emotions bypass the critical faculty, making it easier for suggestions to slip into the unconscious mind.
2. Unconscious Acceptance: When suggestions get past the critical faculty, they are more likely to be accepted and acted upon.

It’s not about telling someone what to do—it’s about guiding their unconscious mind to make choices that align with their desires.

Everyday Applications

This isn’t just for life-changing decisions like quitting a job or starting a new project. You can use conversational hypnosis to help others in countless ways, including:

• Encouraging a friend to start exercising.
• Helping someone overcome procrastination.
• Supporting a loved one in making a tough choice.
• Motivating a team member to take initiative.

The possibilities are endless. Once you learn how to amplify emotions and use embedded commands, you’ll start noticing opportunities everywhere.

Ethical Considerations

With great power comes great responsibility (thanks, Spider-Man). It’s crucial to use these techniques ethically. That means only using them to help others in ways that align with their values and goals—not to manipulate or push them into something they don’t want.

Always ask yourself: Is this in their best interest? If the answer is yes, proceed with confidence.

Conversational hypnosis is one of the most powerful tools you can add to your skillset. It’s subtle, effective, and, most importantly, it works. So, the next time a friend or colleague shares their struggles, try this method. You might just help them take a step they’ve been avoiding for far too long.

Tools to Take This Further

Want to get really good at this? Check out our deck of hypnotic language cards. These cards are designed to help you master embedded commands and other hypnotic language patterns. They’re simple, effective, and a lot of fun to use.

Plus, if you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of hypnosis, the Mike Mandel Hypnosis Academy is the ultimate training ground. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hypnotist, our courses will help you refine your skills and take your practice to the next level.

The tools are here; all you need to do is start using them.