How a simple question can influence your conversation? | Ravi Mayar | TEDxSereneMeadows

Summary

Ravi Mehr, a hypnotist, pickpocket, magician, and trainer, shares his journey from performing magic to mastering the art of influence. He discovered that asking a simple question can control conversations and influence people, as demonstrated through his interactions with a mind reader named John. Mehr's business adapted to the lockdown by offering online courses, where he utilized the power of questions to engage clients and build rapport. His story highlights the transformative potential of questions in both personal and professional settings, emphasizing the ability to connect and influence through the simple act of asking.

Takeaways

• 🧙‍♂️ Ravi Mehr is a hypnotist, pickpocket magician, trainer, and consultant with a background in England, Montreal, and London.
• 🎩 He uses the art of influence and understanding of people's thought processes to enhance his magic performances and even pickpockets.
• 🗣️ Ravi highlights the power of questions in breaking people's preoccupation and gaining their immediate attention, which he refers to as a 'verbal pattern break'.
• 🤝 He shares a friendship and intellectual debates with a mind reader named John, which led to insights on influencing conversations.
• 🔄 During the lockdown, Ravi's industry collapsed, prompting him to reinvent himself and consider online platforms for sharing his knowledge.
• 💡 He discovered that offering knowledge online could be effective, leading to deals with companies in America, India, and England.
• 📚 Ravi believes everyone has knowledge that others would pay to learn, drawing an example from a plumber's specialized knowledge.
• 📧 He experimented with ad copy and emails to potential clients, using a simple question as a subject line to engage recipients.
• 📞 By asking a simple question, Ravi was able to establish rapport and have meaningful conversations with clients to refine his course offerings.
• 🌐 The script illustrates how a simple question can be a powerful tool for connection, influence, and building dialogue, as demonstrated by Ravi's personal experiences.
• 🌟 The story concludes with the message that ideas and questions have the potential to change and connect the world.

Q & A

Who is Ravi Mehr and what are his professions?

Ravi Mehr is a hypnotist, pickpocket magician trainer, and consultant. He was born in England, grew up in Montreal, Canada, and currently lives in London, England.

What is Ravi Mehr's fascination with the art of influence?

Ravi Mehr is fascinated by the art of influence because understanding how people think in the moment has given him an advantage in his magic performances and made it easier for him to perform certain tricks, such as stealing wallets.

What is a 'verbal pattern break' and how does it give Ravi Mehr control over a conversation?

A 'verbal pattern break' is a technique where a question is asked during a conversation, causing the person to stop their thought process, refocus on the question, and then think about how to answer. This technique gives Ravi Mehr control over the verbal exchange at that moment.

How did Ravi Mehr's friendship with a mind reader influence his approach to conversation and debate?

Ravi Mehr's friendship with a mind reader named John led to heated debates where they both tried to influence each other's conversations using language skills. This taught Ravi that a hypnotist having a debate with a mind reader is like a boxer fighting a wrestler, highlighting the unique dynamics of their interactions.

What is the significance of asking someone's name before asking a question in a conversation?

Using someone's name before asking a question in a conversation creates a personal connection and makes the question more impactful. It also gives the speaker control over the conversation and can affect the listener's confidence and body language.

How did the COVID-19 lockdown impact Ravi Mehr's business?

The COVID-19 lockdown brought Ravi Mehr's business to an abrupt stop as there were no more live shows and his industry collapsed overnight.

What did Ravi Mehr do to reinvent himself during the lockdown?

During the lockdown, Ravi Mehr started offering knowledge online by giving lectures and creating courses on social media. He made deals with online companies in America, India, and England, realizing that online knowledge sharing could work.

What advice did an entrepreneur give Ravi Mehr to help grow his business?

An entrepreneur advised Ravi Mehr to write an ad copy and email it to potential clients, past clients, friends, and anyone else to expand his reach and grow his business.

How did Ravi Mehr use the simple question 'Mind if I ask you a question?' in his ad copy to engage clients?

Ravi Mehr included the simple question 'Mind if I ask you a question?' in the subject header of his ad copy, personalized with the client's first name. This approach led to inquiries and allowed him to establish a rapport with clients, facilitating further communication.

What was the outcome of Ravi Mehr's strategy of using a simple question to connect with clients?

The strategy of using a simple question in his ad copy resulted in clients responding positively and engaging in further conversation with Ravi Mehr. This helped him refine his course offerings to meet their needs and move closer to fulfilling his dream of building his own business and mentoring students.

How did Ravi Mehr use the power of a simple question to help a girl he met on Sentosa Beach?

Ravi Mehr approached the girl and asked her 'Mind if I ask you a question?' after she confirmed she was okay. This question allowed him to break the initial barrier, establish a human connection, and help her find answers she needed, ultimately calming her down and providing a learning experience for both of them.