Below the Threshold by Len Belcher

Talk of 'subliminal' advertising is always fashionable. Presented in the manner suggested this is an outstanding mental effect, great for your show, for impromptu use and to present for the members of the press, newspaper offices, etc., for publicity purposes.

The effect is the following…

A spectator is asked to draw a design or write a word on a small card and this is placed out of sight. The performer stands well away from the spectator while the drawing is being made and patters to the effect that what the spectator draws is suggested to him by some subconscious impulse in the beginning, however much he may modify it afterwards. It is an impulse that has been called " subliminal" – that is, an impulse which is below the threshold of normal sense perception. Some such impulse has been affecting the drawer of the design. The spectator is now asked to write or draw anything on a slate (or in a notebook) at random … something not associated with what he first drew … and from this the performer is able to divine the first chosen thought. He unfailingly duplicates the very design the spectator first drew. Full routine is included.

• Clever and original method.
• Very easy to do so that you can concentrate on the presentation.
• No "impression" or "carbon copy" method.
• Easy to prepare.
• Can be done anywhere.