Can Anyone be Hypnotized?
Anyone can be hypnotized, but for a stage hypnosis show the person has to want to be hypnotized. During a performance, if you resist, are distracted or just wanting to prove a hypnotist wrong, there is no way you will be hypnotized.
I've Never Been Hypnotized Before...
Yes, you have. Ever get lost in a good book, TV program or movie? Ever drive a car a great distance, react to events outside the car, and have no recollection of consciously doing this after? These are different examples of every day hypnotic events we go through daily. People get hypnotized in many different ways, and just don't realize it. Not every trance is induced by a "swinging pendulum."
Is There Anything Supernatural Behind Hypnosis?
No. Religion and supernatural abilities are not behind the hypnotic ability. Acts of Hypnosis have been going on for a long time, sometimes for entertainment or medicinal purposes. During WWII, some POW hospitals used hypnosis as a substitute for anesthesia or pain relief. Hypnosis broken down can be summarized as made up of science and psychology.
Will I Get Stuck in Hypnosis?
It is not possible to be stuck in a hypnotic trance. For a trance to be maintained, a hypnotists would have to reinforce the suggestions every now and then. If by chance the Hypnotist stopped coming around, or fell ill, the trance would be broken after so much time had passed. The volunteer would awaken, as if they just came out of a regular sleep. The amount of time taken would vary depending on how deep the trance the volunteer is in.
Can You Hypnotize Me?
It is possible to hypnotize any person, with an infinite amount of time. For a stage performance show, the volunteer can only be hypnotized if they are willing. If for any reason a volunteer is resistant, or distracted it will not happen. The volunteer will then be sent back to watch the show in the audience. As long as a volunteer is willing to follow simple instructions, without distraction or under some medical treatment, they will be hypnotized.