If you're really interested in it, there is a psychology book out there that's actually a great basis for getting started: Influence: The Psychology of Persuas

If you're really interested in it, there is a psychology book out there that's actually a great basis for getting started: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini: http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials/dp/006124189X http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Busine... It's marketed as a business / marketing book, but it is probably on the book shelf of every one of the magicians / mentalists that this article refers to.