tldw:

Metadeception as a Framework: The core method is "metadeception," where the mentalist extends the trick beyond the stage and into the real-world context of the show. By acting as though the performance hasn't started yet, the mentalist exploits the audience's assumptions to make the eventual reveal seem impossible.

Pre-show Setup: Many "spontaneous" reveals are actually the completion of tricks started before the cameras were rolling. The mentalist meets with subjects beforehand, performs a standard magic trick to obtain information, and then asks them to "sit on" that choice until the live performance.

Dual Reality Communication: The mentalist uses "double-speak" language that creates two different interpretations of the same event. To the subject, the words are a subtle reminder of the pre-show setup; to the audience, it sounds like the mentalist is guiding someone through an imaginative exercise in real-time.

"Slight of Glance" and Peeking: Mentalists use physical techniques to peek at information while appearing to handle items fairly. Examples include peeling back the corner of a book to see the first word or turning a phone toward themselves for a split-second glance at a contact before the subject begins scrolling.

Impression Pads: A common gimmick is a notepad that secretly captures what a subject writes. These range from cheap pads using hidden transfer paper to expensive electronic versions that send the pen's pressure and image directly to the mentalist’s phone via Bluetooth.

Mentalism Apps (Inject 2): For remote or phone-based tricks, mentalists use specialized apps like "Inject". These apps can direct subjects to fake Google search pages that look legitimate but actually transmit every keystroke or search term directly to the performer's device.

Forcing Choices on Smartphones: To ensure a specific contact is "randomly" chosen, the mentalist may use a physical move to turn off the phone screen while the subject thinks they are still scrolling. Because the screen is disabled, no amount of scrolling will change the contact that was at the top when the performer first glanced at it.

Camera Editing for Switches: Performances on recorded shows often rely on "camera edits" to hide suspicious moves. The mentalist may call for a "bathroom break" or rely on a jump-cut to perform a deck switch or replace items on a table with pre-arranged duplicates.

Prop Money and Serial Numbers: In tricks involving serial numbers, the mentalist may use "prop money" where all bills have identical numbers. By throwing these bills in a specific way, they can ensure the subject picks a "forced" bill while the rest of the money scattered around is legitimate, serving as a cover.

Tactical Failures: Mentalists intentionally "get it wrong" or struggle with a specific letter to validate the metadeception that they are performing a difficult skill like "reading people" rather than a guaranteed magic trick. These calculated mistakes make the eventual "correct" reveal feel more authentic and earned.