In
movie, "Good Will Hunting,"
counselor, played by Robin Williams, lovingly confronts
disturbed young man in his office with
phrase, "It's not your fault." After a pause, Williams again says, "It's not your fault."
After yet another pause, he again says, "It's not your fault."
By
time
scene is done,
young man breaks down and cries. The counselor and patient hug. A transformation has occurred. It's a powerful moment in
film. It's unforgettable.
And it's hypnotic.
Why?
Scene Two:
My girlfriend and I are having dinner. We had gone out to see a movie. Afterwards we drove through
city night,
top down on my new BMW Z3, as we held hands and breathed
fresh, cool air. Now, at dinner, we are feeling deeply close.
At that moment by girlfriend leans over to me, looks me right in
eye, and asks, "Do you know I love you?"
I quickly nod and smile. Yes, of course, I know she loves me.
She doesn't blink an eye. She again looks at me and says, "Do you know I love you?"
I laugh a little nervously. Yes, I know it, I reply.
She doesn't stop. She again says, "Do you know I love you?"
I'm silent this time. Now I'm *really* hearing her.
Suddenly my heart wells up with emotion. I feel an overwhelming amount of love in my chest. I look at my girlfriend and realize---truly GET---that she loves me. It's a moment I'll never forget.
It, too, was hypnotic.
Why?
I've discovered that one of
most powerful tools of persuasion any hypnotic writer can have is simply this: Repetition.
Don't dismiss this concept. It helped Robin Williams heal a troubled youth. It helped my girlfriend get into my heart. And it can help you influence your readers to do what you want.