The Art of Forcing
No, we’re not nicking cars!
We’re looking at how mentalist’s control a spectator’s choices…
Welcome to the puppet master’s playground
A mentalist will tell someone that they can make a completely free choice. Any card, any object or any thought but the spectator will unknowingly pick exactly what the mentalist wanted them to pick all along.
Is it magic? Psychic powers? Or a pact with a mischievous, telepathic gremlin?
None of the above darling, it’s quite simply the art of the force! The invisible science of making people think they chose something freely while secretly guiding them along.
What is a force in mentalism?
A force is when you control a participant’s decision without them realising it. The beauty of it is: They will honestly believe they had a free and random choice. Meanwhile, you’re already 6 moves ahead, sipping on your cranberry juice and preparing for the big reveal.
NOT THAT KIND OF REVEAL!
Why forces are so cool
You don’t need complicated mechanics to achieve an effect when you already know the outcome. Free choices feel natural therefore bigger miracles are achieved.
Weird fact:
The human brain is shockingly easy to steer in a chosen direction without setting off any alarms.
We’re basically mental sheep in human suits!
5 core forces mentalist’s use
There are endless ways to force choices but nearly all of them fall into five core categories.
Let’s crack them open like mystical cream eggs.
Verbal forces
With verbal forces you can subtly prime their brain using clever language before they even make a decision.
Example:
You say: Pick a colour, not something boring like black or white. Think vivid, bright energy.
Most people will pick red because you pushed them there gently, invisibly and with plausible deniability.
Weird tip:
Most people want to be perceived as interesting, so if you frame their choice emotionally, they’ll usually choose the path you led them down.
Psychological forces
You prime their subconscious using associations and patterns.
You can guide decisions just by mentioning related words.
Talking about sharp thoughts will prime triangles.
Mention warm energy and this will prime red.
Example:
You ask someone to: Think of a geometric shape and a colour.
Without realising it, most people think of a red triangle.
Why does this work?
Triangles are the simplest aggressive shape and red is the most emotionally charged colour.
For more on the psychology of mindreading click the image below.
Equivocation
You adjust your framing based on what the spectator does, making any choice seem perfect.
Example:
Pick one of these cards, then keep it or give it to me.
If they give it: Perfect, that’s exactly what I wanted.
If they keep it: Great, I need you to hold it.
Rule:
Say everything confidently. NEVER reveal there was a backup plan. You are always the master of destiny, no matter what.
Physical forces
The way you present options physically makes certain choices more likely than others.
Example:
You spread five cards on a table, two cards are angled slightly closer, this unconsciously invites their hand toward those two.
Psychology fact:
Tiny physical biases, placement, spacing and angles massively steer decision making without conscious awareness. Humans overwhelmingly pick the most reachable or most centred objects unless directed otherwise. Use that!
Dual Reality forces
You can create different experiences for different people, all at the same time.
Example:
To the participant, it feels like they picked an object freely.
To the audience, it looks like you predicted it flawlessly.
This is next level mentalism and it’s what separates good performers from legendary ones.
Warning:
It takes practice to manage two realities simultaneously. Start simple and sacrifice a fluffy Teddy Bear to the gods of nuance.
Common mistakes
Look, you’re going to screw it up sometimes and that’s okay but here’s how to screw up less:
Acting nervous
If you fidget, hesitate or look guilty during the force, people will feel that and it can raise suspicion.
Solution:
Own the moment, smile and relax. You’re just having fun.
Over explaining
If you start saying too much: You can choose anything… Really anything… Seriously, anything!
You’re going to raise suspicion.
Solution:
Be casual and underplay it, make it sound like it’s not a big deal.
Offering weird options
Don’t give five messy, confusing choices, instead keep options clear, simple and emotionally loaded. Humans like simple decisions, so feed them one.
How to practice forcing
You can’t just read about forces, you have to feel them. Like a musician learning to vibe with the music.
Exercises:
Word association forcing
The next time you’re talking casually with a friend, try to steer them toward naming a fruit like an apple without ever saying it.
Physical object forcing
Place three objects on a table and subtly change one object’s positioning, then see how often people pick it.
Storytelling prime
Tell a short story before a choice, try and plant emotional words that hint at your desired outcome. Over time, you’ll stop trying to force and start letting the forces happen naturally.
Build unstoppable force routines
Once you master forcing, you can build entire acts around it.
Example Routine:
Psychologically force a symbol (wavy lines) and layer a second force (colour) then reveal both choices together with a prediction sealed in an envelope. Double kicker, double impossibility and a double standing ovation. You’re welcome!
Fragmented Thoughts
Forcing is an art, it’s like dancing with conversation, it’s not about bulldozing someone’s free will. It’s about guiding them so gently that when they arrive at the destination, they think they got there all by themselves.
When they believe it was their idea, the miracle becomes untouchable. Learn the force, master the dance and welcome to the side of mystery most people will never see coming.
Stay Weird
ЯYΛП MΣПƬIƧ
International Man of Mischief
Founder of The Temple of Mentis
Summoner of The Oddsock Oracle™