Covert hypnosis is exactly what it sounds like: the ability to hypnotize without being obvious. There’s nothing subtle about dangling a pocket watch in front of someone’s eyes and muttering phrases like “you’re really sleepy.”

Luckily, you don’t need a pocket watch or catchphrases to cast a spell on people. All you need is clever manipulation skills and covert hypnosis offers you exactly that.

Communicating with another person’s subconscious is not as intimidating as it sounds. It takes place on a daily basis, usually through a phenomenon known as ‘conversational hypnosis’.

The intent of covert hypnosis is to change another person’s behavior or thought pattern through specific methods. These methods range from every word spoken to every gesture made.

An undercover hypnosis teacher displays a certain facial expression or makes a specific gesture, while also understanding that these acts of body language have an ulterior motive: to make the other person think their way. The skilled master of covert hypnosis will not make his intentions obvious.

If you think this is second-tier pop science, consider this: covert hypnosis is practiced every day. You’ve probably practiced it yourself on some level, and you’ve certainly been the unwitting participant on another.

Due to its subtlety, you don’t even notice it. However, once you do, you will be able to take full control of the situations in your life.

A master of covert hypnosis could be anyone from the charming man at the table who calms the mood to the car salesman at the used car lot.

Pressuring someone to buy a car is one thing. Convincing them to decide for themselves that they need one is another. That is the difference between simple manipulation and clever covert hypnosis.

Most likely, you already have the necessary skills to practice covert hypnosis; we all do, to some degree. But there are a few tricks of the trade to help you develop and hone the ability to use covert hypnosis easily and effectively. That is, the power of observation, the ability to reflect and the ability to issue subtle commands:

The power of observation.

To skillfully manipulate others through covert hypnosis, you must be a master of observation.

You have to establish a relationship with the people whose intentions you want to change, and the only way to do that is to observe who they are. What are your motivations? What irritates them? What excites them? Once you learn these things, you’re halfway there.

Mirror without mocking.

To make a subconscious connection with someone, you need to feel like you’re on their wavelength. It’s not enough to agree with what they say or toss out compliments, that can come off as pretentious and annoying.

Instead, they actually GET at their wavelength by reflecting them. If they speak softly, you speak softly. If they speak with their hands, you speak with their hands. If she leans back in her chair, you lean back in yours.

You can’t make it obvious. After a few minutes, they will feel a strange connection with you, even if they don’t know why.

Control without domain.

When we think of someone being in command of another person, we usually visualize them hovering over them, wagging a finger in their face, and barking orders. But the commands do not require domain.

One of the most fascinating aspects of covert hypnosis is the fact that the subject is unaware of what is happening. This works to his benefit. Why? Because when a person thinks that he has made a decision of his own free will, he reduces resistance.

Commanding someone as a covert hypnotist does not involve a long list of orders. It means giving subtle hints to turn someone your way. Let’s say you’re having a conversation with a potential love interest.

After a while of observing and reflecting, you say something like: ‘Isn’t it great to feel a connection with someone from the beginning? I love to feel comfortable when I meet someone new.’

Doesn’t sound like a big command, does it? But what you’re really saying is, ‘Feel a connection. To feel comfortable.’

The benefits of sharpening your subtle manipulation skills are endless. Sit down and think about how your life could change if you could control the intentions and motivations of others.