Blog: Mind of a Mind Reader

Jeff Newman: Mentalist, Magician, Trickster.

7 Quirky Psychological Biases That You've Probably Never Heard Of
Psychology Jeff Newman Psychology Jeff Newman

7 Quirky Psychological Biases That You've Probably Never Heard Of

Whether you’re a corporate professional in a high-profile company, a customer shopping around for the latest and greatest products, a student, a homemaker, or anything in between, there are a lot of things that can affect how we see and interact with the world.

We often overlook the psychological factors that influence our decisions. It's easy to believe that we make rational and objective choices, but the truth is that our minds are subject to countless biases and cognitive errors that affect our judgment. Some of these biases are well-known, such as confirmation bias and the halo effect, but others are lesser-known and more peculiar.

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5 Ways Magic Can Boost Workplace Creativity

5 Ways Magic Can Boost Workplace Creativity

Despite the lighting-fast development of AI, humans are still the best when it comes to creativity and innovation.

But daily tasks, deadlines, and office politics can often leave people feeling drained and uninspired. But what if I told you there was a simple solution to not only add some excitement and novelty to the workplace to fight off burnout but also help increase the creativity within you and your team?

If you’re asking, “Jeff, what kind of magic is this that you speak of?” Well, um…it’s…it’s magic. Magic will help you do that.

But how? Well, to help you understand, I’ve listed 5 reasons why magic can boost creativity and inspire innovation in you, your co-workers, your staff, your company, and your work environment.

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A Mentalist Explains: How Ouija Boards Work, and The Ideomotor Effect
Psychology, Personal Stories Guest User Psychology, Personal Stories Guest User

A Mentalist Explains: How Ouija Boards Work, and The Ideomotor Effect

But do Ouija boards actually send you messages?

Well, in a way, yes. But they don’t come from the spirit world.

The human brain, to most, is a miracle machine. It can do incredible things that we aren’t even aware of. Even some of the simplest day-to-day tasks we take for granted are incredibly complex calculations made by what is, essentially, a three-pound lump of gooey flesh.

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The Psychology of Illusion: How Magicians Manipulate Your Mind
Magician Life, Psychology Jeff Newman Magician Life, Psychology Jeff Newman

The Psychology of Illusion: How Magicians Manipulate Your Mind

“How do you do that?!”

I get this question a lot. It comes with the territory of being a professional mentalist and magician. After all, performing the impossible is my job, so naturally, people want to know how I do it. But the truth is that there’s a lot more to it than just tricks.

Have you ever watched a magician perform and found yourself completely baffled by their tricks? You're not alone. Magicians have been captivating audiences for centuries with their illusions and sleight of hand. But have you ever stopped to think about how they do it? Not just their methods, but how do they manage to manipulate our minds and deceive our senses?

The psychology of magic is just as interesting as the methods of magic tricks, so let’s dive into the psychology of illusion and explore how magicians use it to create their mind-boggling performances!

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Magic: The Best Entertainment for Your Corporate Event
Event Planning, Corporate Entertainment Guest User Event Planning, Corporate Entertainment Guest User

Magic: The Best Entertainment for Your Corporate Event

Believe it or not, hiring a magician or a mentalist to entertain people at a corporate event is incredibly common.

A lot of people don’t realize that magic is not only a popular form of event entertainment but it’s also one of the best ways to make your next event the talk of the town.

But why?

Magic has been continually earning its place in the event industry due to its versatility, entertainment, engagement, and positive impact on guests. People often (incorrectly) think of magic as just somebody doing a few tricks. But magic is not just about identifying a card or pulling a rabbit out of a hat; it's about creating an engaging and unforgettable atmosphere that your guests will likely have never experienced before.

Still don’t believe me? Well then, here are five reasons why a magic or mentalism show is the best entertainment for your corporate event, fundraiser, or gala.

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7 Sneaky Psychological Hacks That Can Help You with Your Business - A Mentalist's Perspective
Magician Business Tips, Psychology Guest User Magician Business Tips, Psychology Guest User

7 Sneaky Psychological Hacks That Can Help You with Your Business - A Mentalist's Perspective

As a professional mentalist and magician, my entire career revolves around not only understanding human psychology but also how to manipulate it. And every year, I get to flex my psychology muscles and show off in front of crowds at company events, holiday parties, and more. And there are a few things I hear at these events often:

“Man, can you teach my sales guys how to get inside someone’s head?”

“You should come to work for us!”

“I wish I could do what you do…it would make my job so much easier!”

From influencing people’s decisions to swaying opinions, there’s no denying the power that a little bit of psychology can wield. And not only can understanding human psychology be helpful to a mentalist on stage, but it can also be incredibly beneficial when it comes to succeeding in the business world.

So today, this Alberta-based magician will be sharing seven sneaky psychological hacks that can help you take your business game to the next level. So, buckle up and get ready to learn some powerful mental tricks that can help you stand out!

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How to Plan a High-Class Event: Insights from A Corporate Magician
Event Planning, Event Tips Guest User Event Planning, Event Tips Guest User

How to Plan a High-Class Event: Insights from A Corporate Magician

I’ve been a professional mentalist and magician for over a decade.

And with that experience, I have had the privilege to attend and perform at some really upscale and well-planned events: From black-tie galas to business conferences; chances are I’ve been on stage at whatever kind of event you can imagine.

And over the years, I have learned that the one thing every successful, high-class event has in common with others is detailed planning and seamless execution. And whether it’s a small gathering or a huge gala, there are things you can do to really make your event shine.

So, to help you out, I’m sharing the tips I’ve seen from people around the globe on how to plan an event that leaves a lasting impression!

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How To Be A More Engaging Public Speaker - 5 Tips from a Professional Magician
Magician Business Tips Guest User Magician Business Tips Guest User

How To Be A More Engaging Public Speaker - 5 Tips from a Professional Magician

We’ve all heard this at some point in our lives:

“The number one fear of the average person is public speaking. The second fear is death.”

However, public speaking is a fundamental aspect of a lot of different jobs, especially those in the corporate world. Whether it is presenting a new proposal or speaking at a conference, every professional must step up and deliver a powerful message with confidence and authority.

Most people struggle with public speaking. Maybe they get nervous or fumble over their words and fail to make a real connection with their audience.

Well, what if I told you that the secret to becoming a more engaging public speaker is to think like a magician?

As a professional mentalist and magician, I have performed in front of thousands of people over the years and learned a thing or two about captivating an audience. And today, I’ll share some of my go-to tips for being a more engaging public speaker just for you!

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The Psychology of Illusion: How Magicians Manipulate Your Mind
Psychology Guest User Psychology Guest User

The Psychology of Illusion: How Magicians Manipulate Your Mind

“How do you do that?!”

I get this question a lot. It comes with the territory of being a professional mentalist and magician. After all, performing the impossible is my job, so naturally, people want to know how I do it. But the truth is that there’s a lot more to it than just tricks.

Have you ever watched a magician perform and found yourself completely baffled by their tricks? You're not alone. Magicians have been captivating audiences for centuries with their illusions and sleight of hand. But have you ever stopped to think about how they do it? Not just their methods, but how do they manage to manipulate our minds and deceive our senses?

The psychology of magic is just as interesting as the methods of magic tricks, so let’s dive into the psychology of illusion and explore how magicians use it to create their mind-boggling performances!

Read More