Comment from David Katzman

from David Katzman (davka25@yahoo.com)

I was recently a volunteer to be hypnotized at Hershey High School's Senior Dinner. I was, among other things, "Captain Courageous." I read with interest the article, "Were You Really Hypnotized?" because I am unsure.

I liked Richard Feynman's quote (I've read his autobiography; he's amazing and brilliant) because that is how I felt. I remember everything. I was aware of everything I was doing and had a "why not?" attitude toward your suggestions. When you said my number, I would put my head down and close my eyes, though I did feel that that was a conscious choice.

When I did the press conference, I felt like I was not hypnotized, only because I remember making jokes (I translated Uranus as the name of the questioner, and when the "Venutian" gave a 20-second long answer while shaking her head, I translated it as "yes" to be funny.)

I was well aware of the laughs in general and felt that I was probably playing toward the crowd. I never felt like my hand was "stuck" on my head; I simply chose to do it because you asked. (At least I think that was the case.)

Overall, I feel like I was somewhere close to being hypnotized, but I do feel that the expectation from the audience for me to act compelled much of what I did. Overall, I enjoyed it very much, as afterwards I was very, very relaxed. I even would not mind doing it again before needing to give a big speech or presentation, as it really calmed my nerves, slowed my heart beat, and made me feel very comfortable in front of the crowd. Thanks for the experience.

RESPONSE:

Thanks, David. Fascinating. Would you read "Is Hypnosis for Real?" and give me your reaction? Ramelle.

FROM DAVID:

just read, "Is Hypnosis for Real?" , and I again tend to agree with Richard Feynman. I do believe that people, in varying degrees, find themselves extremely open to suggestion when hypnotized. I performed acts that were silly but not outrageous.

Frankly, while I did feel that I was acting for the crowd, I would not have been a good enough actor to play it with a straght face except for my extremely relaxed state. I think hypnosis is for real, though some people who resist might not always acquiese to the hypnotist's requests.