when someone is faking?" It is extremely
difficult many times to do so. Once you are aware of it, however, you
give certain tests to the group. The exhibitionist doesn't know how to
respond each time and you soon pick him out.

Even when I know specifically who it is, I do not dismiss him.
Interestingly, it is invariably a man. I continue with the
lecture-demonstration; but I let the audience know that I am aware of
the situation. This is the interesting part of this example. The
bumptious subject, by giving himself autosuggestions to comply with
various posthypnotic suggestions, is actually engaging in our technique
of role playing. The inevitable happens. He finds himself hypnotized
despite his obvious intention not to be affected in any way. Any
hypnotist can recount similar incidents.

What can you learn by the example just presented? What if you purposely
set about doing the same thing in your attempt to achieve self-hypnosis?
The obvious answer is that the technique has a good chance of working,
and as a result you will achieve self-hypnosis. This method has worked
with many recalcitrant subjects. To follow this plan, go back to chapter
six, "How To Attain Self-Hypnosis," and use the role-playing technique.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at how this approach will act as a
catalyst. Remember, once you obtain the eye closure, give yourself
whatever therapeutic suggestion you desire plus the posthypnotic
suggestion that the next time you will fall into a deeper and sounder
state of hypnosis at the count of three or any other cue you desire.

I know you may protest using the role-playing technique with the
question, "If I'm not under hypnosis, why give myself therapeutic
posthypnotic suggestions to condition myself to go under hypnosis at a
specific count?" You may further protest that you are only fooling
yourself. My answer is, "What if you are?" What is lost by doing it? You
have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Are you not really
interested in the end result and not the means? The attainment of the
self-hypnotic state is not in itself the end result; it is a means to
help you achieve your goal.

Don't many people carry or wear good-luck charms of a religious or
nonreligious nature? Don't we accept these items in our society? The
four-leaf clover and rabbit's foot as symbols of good luck have been
part of our culture for a long time. We are all sophisticated enough to
know that they do not have an intri