Scenes from the Women Empower Expo

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of speaking at the Women Empower Expo in Washington, DC about the practice of hypnosis for health, wellness and exceptional living.

Admittedly, I was a bit intimidated leading up to the event.  For starters, the line-up of speakers was exceptional, and included prominent and accomplished experts in career development, fitness, self defense and professional motivation.

Second, the theme of the event (empowerment) was sure to attract attendees who have very much prioritized personal and professional success.

My expectation about the quality of speakers and attendees was spot on.  They were outstanding.

However, my apprehension quickly evaporated when I realized how much interest and engagement there was in hypnosis.  I attracted a great group of attendees to my talk and remained on-site for nearly an hour after its conclusion to answer questions.

I’ve included below a couple of photos from the Women Empower Expo I thought you’d enjoy. 

A number of life coaches and experts in alternative approaches to health were part of the Expo's Exhibit Hall.

This exhibitor promoted the practice of acupuncture for health and wellness.

Based in Bethesda, MD, Barker Adoption places new born and older children in loving situations.

Networking lounge afforded attendees an opportunity to learn more about each others.

High School Students Learn About Hypnosis

At the start of my talk I set a goal with the students.  It is simply to make this class period the most interesting, informative and entertaining one they attend all year.

Yes, this sets the bar high -- especially when you consider how exceptional the educators are in the Washington, DC area.  However, in the five years I have donated my time to serve as a guest speaker for high school and college psychology classes I’ve gotten darn good at delivering on the promise.

Last week I had the privilege of being on campus at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland.  I scored the speaking invite after being part of the entertainment at the school’s post prom event in April.  

What an amazing experience!  I spoke to more than 200 students who are enrolled in advanced placement or introduction to psychology, or who just had an interest in learning more about hypnosis as alternate state of consciousness.

My presentation includes a basic hypnotic induction for volunteers, along with a couple of simple suggestions designed to demonstrate the power and creativity of the subconscious mind.

I’ve included below a few photographs from my presentations.  Copyright on these images belongs to Good Counsel.  You can find more photos on the school’s Facebook page at this link.

Special thanks to Good Counsel’s Leslie Young, Colleen McNamara and Kara Riely for hosting me, as well as to Principal Thomas Campbell for all of the support.

In my introductory remarks I explain what hypnosis is and its popular applications.

Get focused!  This part of the hypnotic induction allows volunteers to block out distraction.

Deep and relaxed state of hypnosis achieved by many volunteers.

This photo illustrates different levels of hypnosis achieved by volunteers.

Sleep now!  I use a re-induction to demonstrate to the audience how a volunteer can quickly return to a hypnosis.

Giving a suggestion to a volunteer.

Freeze now!  A simple word turns volunteers into statues.

This volunteer responds to the suggestion that she is also a hypnotist with the power to entrance the audience.

Talking Comedy on Executive Leaders Radio

A few weeks back I was a guest on Executive Leaders Radio, a national program that seeks to discover the personal attributes it takes to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.  Questions focus on family life, education, mentoring and early career experiences.

The emphasis of my interview was the role comedy can play to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.  Much of my insight has been gleaned from my experience performing Hypnotic Experience to support schools, community groups and charitable organizations.

Comedy is not about telling jokes.  Rather, it is defined by two guiding principles: 1) establishing a connection with the audience; and 2) sharing entertaining anecdotes to convey a message.

I thought you’d find the interview of interest.  Click on the link below for the Webcast and then fast forward to 45 minutes and 25 seconds.

Executive Leaders Radio, interview with Marc Hausman