Ever been to a meeting where at least one of the parties look like they need to be told a joke? All negotiations need not be serious, when a little fun can get the business done. Here is a quick magic trick with a business card to liven up dull meetings, whenever possible.
Let’s try this for real. Follow my instructions very clearly:
- Think of a 2 digit odd number between 10 and 50 where
- Both the numbers are odd (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) and they are both different from each other, so
- You can’t think of an 11 (both digits are same), but you can think of 17.
- Think of your number now… and scroll down to see what I’ve predicted.
So it doesn’t work all the time, but it does work most of the time. With the instructions above, people will mostly think of 37 or 35, because frankly, there aren’t really those many odd and different digit numbers between 10 and 50. People are more predictable than you think.
The meeting is either just kicking off, or about to wind up. It’s that sweet spot when people generally talk about the weather or something equally inane. It’s time to really play up this little gem.
Pull out your visiting cards, say you are going to write a prediction. Write 35 and scratch it out, then write 37 and turn the card face down on the table. Give the above instructions to your audience — 1 person is fine, but 3 and above will greatly increase the odds of a hit.
Snap your fingers and ask them to think while you act a bit dramatic, anything short of leaping on to the desk and staring at them with crazy eyes. I recommend, playing it subtle. Now slowly turn your card over and ask if they thought of 37.
Most would have. At this point, hit them with a double, ask- Who thought of 35 and changed her mind? Then watch their expressions. Leave your card in the room with an air of mystery.
This is a great little way to make meetings more human. For more of this and that do follow me on Twitter and visit my blog NoSpeakHuman.com.
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