Cold Reading Defined: How Anyone Can Read Minds Without Psychic Powers

Cold reading is not the same as being psychic.

You are not using telepathy or any paranormal skills.

And you do not need to be ‘gifted’ in any way. That’s why almost anyone can learn to cold read.

Cold reading is essentially using Barnum statements (statements that are true about everybody) and personalizing them depending on the situation..

If you walk up to a stranger and start trying to cold read them, it probably won't go very well.

Just like sales, cold reading works best after you have a little rapport.

Start with some friendly conversation to gather some basic information, but don’t just listen to their words. Communication is mostly non-verbal. Watch how they move, where they look, what they’re wearing, etc.

Using the information you gather, deliver compliments disguised within Barnum statements. Cold Reading Summary: Introduction

Everyone loves a compliment, but when they are blatant we can become suspicious - especially if they are from someone we have just met.

Compliments are much more effective when delivered in a round-about way, i.e., via cold reading techniques.

This should be one of your goals when cold reading: to make people feel better about themselves and their future.