0.9: What is "cold reading"? (scientific skepticism)
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This article is from the Scientific Skepticism FAQ, by Paul Johnson Paul@treetop.demon.co.uk with numerous contributions by others.
0.9: What is "cold reading"? (scientific skepticism)
[From a posting by Pope Charles <popec@brewich.hou.tx.us>]
Cold reading is the technique of saying little general things and
watching a persons reactions. As one goes from very general to more
specific things, one notes the reaction and uses it as a guide to find
out what to say. Also there are stock phrases that sound like
statements but are really questions. If these subtle questions evoke
answers, these answers are used as a basis for the next round of
statements.
Many people get involved in various things like this because of their
interest in the usual things, health, love, sex, etc. One can
develop a set of stock questions and statements that will elicit
positive responses from 90% of your 'clients'.
In the hands of an expert, these simple techniques can be frightening
almost. But they are simple things. Of course a paintbrush and a
canvass are simple things too. It all depends on skill and talent for
these things.
One can learn these things coldbloodedly knowing them as the tricks
they are, or as probably most use them, learned at the feet of other
practitioners as it were by rote, and developed by practice and
adapted to the tastes of the reader and his or her sitters. As
skeptics have pointed out, it is the best cold readers that make the
best Tarot Readers, Astrologers, Palm Readers, or what have you.
If your library is lucky enough to have it, Check The Zetetic, (later
renamed Skeptical Inquirer), Vol. 1, #2 Summer 1977 "Cold Reading: How
to convince strangers you know all about them" by Ray Hyman. This was
later republished in "The Elusive Quarry", which should be quite a bit
easier to find.
These techniques are not confined to the occult world by any means.
Religious workers, salesmen and the like use the principles to build
rapport with people.
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