What do you think about reading from a script....

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Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - HypnosisGurus.com on July 18, 2008 at 9:00am

I ALWAYS use scripts. I conduct an assessment, decide on an induction based on learning style or client need, and although I rarely use a script in the induction, I almost always bring induction script (usually form my book "Inductions and Deepeners" with me. I do have most of the committed to memory though).

I then bring a piece of paper with me, where, during the assessement, I have written the client's strengths and "trigger" points, and use those as a basis for suggeston.

However, I always try to bring a relative therapeutic script with me - either one I have written or one of Cerbone's on the subject at hand. If I use any of Cerbone's scripts, I usually photocopy them and quickly highlight the parts I like as they relate to this individual client.

Then after the induction I go into a format as follows:
1.) Story or metaphor
2.) Direct suggestion
3.) Manifestation of phenomena
4.) Post hypnotics

I usually do not read a script verbatim, but instead I use the scripts to make sure I cover everything I wanted to, to extend time to enjoy the process further, and to help me when I am in trance to not lose focus.

I may combine 3-4 scripts during a session, and use a lot of deviation to tailor it to the clients, but even for smoking cessation, I always bring scripts with me.

One issue with scripts is the style. Cerbone and I have a vastly different style. And so I highlight the suggestions and things I like and can use from his scripts, and adapt them to my style. His book is a great resource though, and is the only source of scripts I use other than my own.

Richard

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Permalink Reply by Kenda McCaskill on July 18, 2008 at 9:05am

Richard thank you for your honesty.

I need scripts right now. I guess you should do what suits you, rather than trying to mold into everyone else's form.

Thank you !

Kenda.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - HypnosisGurus.com on July 18, 2008 at 9:27am

I think a lot of hypnotists would say they don't use scripts becasue for some reason ego tells us not to admit it? Kinda like we tell everyone we pay off our credit cards each month, but in reality, we are maxxed out and carrying over the balance.

I suppose then there are those who are so talented in communication they really never need a script, and then there are those who think they are that talented, but the client is the one who suffers from the lack of organization a script can provide.

In my pre-talk with clients, I even tell them "You may here me rustling some papers or even reading you a story or suggestion. This to make certain that I don't miss anything important in our session, and I will select these stories based on what will hlep you learn the most."

If you do 5-6 sessions in a day, you will be pretty tranced out at the end of the day... If you don;t have a script, you will be serioulsly lost.... (and if your not in trance yourself by the end of the day, you are probaly doing something wrong).

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Permalink Reply by Kenda McCaskill on July 18, 2008 at 9:32am

Richard you are the best !!!

Till I met you there were so many secrets , and untruths... Everyone says they want to see you get ahead, and then only tell you 1/2 truths or all BS.

As always I appreciate the honesty.

Glad I met you !!!

Kenda.

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Permalink Reply by John Cerbone - The Trance-Master on July 18, 2008 at 11:56am

Thank you Richard!
Another reason I write Scripts before a client comes in, was that back in the day, I used to shoot from the hip and combine what I liked from the work of others.
After the client left, I would think to myself, there were seven or nine other things I should have said, as my subconscious and creativity were still going in overdrive and ideas were unstoppably flying.
Not so since I started writting after getting info via telephone and email in advance.
I have through the use of self-hypnosis, pre-programmed myself to add all of the juicy stuff a day or a few days in advance, when I have a scheduled session, so I am fully ready and it's all together when there are here. If something pops into my mind, or if the client says I meant to tell you this, I forgot to mention that. . . , I can add it and make a record.
These days accurate record keeping is essential for a well-maintained practice.
Richard is as usual on the money, with a multiple session case load, you can be a (metaphorically speaking) drooling and disoriented Hypnotist, twith hroat worn out by days end.
I have done as many as 7 - 1st sessions in one day, from late morning until Midnight, limited food snacks, etc., eg. - whole families that want to quit smoking on the same day, buddy system in place, all different schedules, worked in.
Scirpts will give you direction and and anchor to the World and to your work.

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Permalink Reply by Darlene Collette on July 19, 2008 at 10:21am

It is so good to know that what I thought was a weakness of mine (using a script in my sessions) is something that is more common than I thought. Dealing with dyslexia since a young child, I am so self conscious of "screwing up" my sessions, that I rely on the script in front of me. I have found that with experience, I don't follow the script as closely as I have in the past, so I guess I consider it the "safety net" just in case I lose my complete train of thought, which can happen after 4-5 sessions in a row. Practice-practice-practice... that is the key.

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Permalink Reply by Sherrie on July 18, 2008 at 10:28am

Richard,

I am very relieved to read this because as a beginning hypnotist the only way I felt (feel) confident enough to actually hypnotize anyone was to read a script. I had heard so much that you should not read from a script and if so a client should not know.

I figured that since I was a good reader, and can read as though I was just talking that it wouldn't be that different. So, I devised my own hypnosis plan ignoring what others said. What I'm doing sounds very much like what you do, Richard. Even down to John Cerbone's script book as one of the three I have on hand. So, wow, do I feel much better now.

I don't think I would ever have taken a client if I couldn't start this way. I practiced for a week on friends and family that volunteered and realized that every single session that I read a script in that week was successful and I would never help anyone if I didn't just go with it.

And I am loving it! Getting better with every session and I can't believe how much I learn with each new client. I have no problem throwing in suggestions that come up during conversation with the client because after reading scripts my brain has just learned how to create the suggestions on the fly. I am happy with my success rate and my confidence level is much better.

So thanks for putting this out there because I have a number of people who are really glad I read a script to them.

Sherrie

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Permalink Reply by Richard Craig on July 18, 2008 at 11:39am

Richard offers some great advice here.

I too follow a sequence very similar to the one Richard has posted, allowing me the flexibility to work impromptu, and to build in clean language, tailored for the client.

1.) Induction (usually a sequence of rapid inductions and deepeners)
2.) General suggestions and open looping metaphors / stories (create a base and get leverage)
3.) Remove daily trigers for the undesired behaviour (interrupt the pattern)
4.) Collapse state related anchors
5.) Direct suggestion (define the problem in solveable terms)
6.) Suggestions for the client to reprogram themselves using all modalities / senses
7.) Reinforce using their reasons (leverage: pain vs. pleasure)
8.) Create anchors for pride and other positive resources (new empowering alternatives)
9.) Future pace (condition in the new thought / emotion / decision / action / behaviour) (manifestation of phenomena)
10.) Post hypnotic suggestions
11.) New identity and close loops (meet their needs at a higher level and connect to an empowering environment)

I almost always have this printed off as a checklist with me, with space to add notes, capturing key words and sentences the client uses, and record the metaphors I use. (I also have this checklist as a document on my mobile / cell phone along with a number of scripts).

Although I rarely use scripts whilst working with the client, I always read a number of related scripts using a variety of styles prior to the session to bring some of the language patterns and metaphors to my conscious and unconscious awareness.

Rich.

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Permalink Reply by Susan French on July 20, 2008 at 8:54am

I like your check list, Rich. Thanks for sharing it. I find that it always helps to condense information.

Susan

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Permalink Reply by Donna Rodolph on July 31, 2008 at 7:10am

Richard,

When you say 'manisfestation of phenomena' - what do you mean by that, exactly.

Thanks so much,
Donna.

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Permalink Reply by Reg Blackwood - The Quicknotist on July 18, 2008 at 11:12am

The following is a script reading tip I used to give while training presenters/speakers, to be used in cases where a script was unavoidable. (e.g. breaking news etc.)
I hope it's helpful here.
Obviously substitute the word "subject" for "camera/audience" but I believe the same technique applies. Even though their eyes are closed, they can hear the difference.

"Most inexperienced people, when reading scripts to camera/audience for the first time, read aloud whilst looking down at the page, then look up at the camera/audience during the pauses.
You need to reverse this because although it might feel natural to you, it looks and sounds BAD.
Try this instead:
Look down at the page, while saying nothing and memorise the first couple of sentences.
Then look up at the camera/audience and say those couple of sentences aloud.
Now, during a natural pause, look down at the page and memorise the next couple of sentences.
Then look up at the camera/audience again and say that aloud.
Practice this technique untill it comes naturally and bear in mind that the pauses won't actually be perceived to be as long as they feel to you!"

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Permalink Reply by Richard Nongard - HypnosisGurus.com on July 18, 2008 at 11:49am

That is an awesome tip reg, and very similar to what i do without realizing it! I would also suggest to people, never use a script you have not read for content, appropriatness and clarity so you are not stumbling over words...

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