The Magical Power of Language

Recently I listened to Stephen Fry on Radio 4 talking about the link between language and magic. Performing magic is an ancient tradition, but little did I know that much of its power comes from language. From my knowledge of psychology, and my experiences at home and in the workplace, I recognise the innate power language has to control us, but I don’t often think about how or why, nor do I think I consciously use it to influence others; unconsciously may be another matter. 

So what happened? 

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During the session, with Derren Brown and Stephen Fry, Derren persuaded Stephen to push his hand hard into the desk in front of him, using only language to do so. The language caused Stephen to be unable to lift his hand until Derren released him from his spell - so to speak. In less than 10 seconds of talking, Derren had full control of Stephen Fry's hand. Derren was performing the hypnosis from an office in Manchester while Stephen Fry was in the studio in London; it was only the language Derren used that caused Stephen to experience the effect. 

I have seen Derren work before, but the shock of someone as public as Stephen be so clearly distressed by his experience brought the power of language home to me.  

Hypnosis cannot be used without consent

What was interesting, was the language used was not allowed to be fully broadcast on the radio. It surprised me to learn that there is an act of Parliament that prevents hypnosis being used on the general public without their consent. This clearly suggests that our Parliamentary figures also understand the power language can have to manipulate. 

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Derren then talked about the effects hypnosis can have on those with serious illness. When visiting a hypnotist or a supposed 'healer,' people with arthritis, for example, who haven't been able to move their legs for years, are suddenly able to walk again. He explained that this was due to the adrenalin rush given to them through listening to the 'healer' use specific language. The sufferer believes they are suddenly cured. Sadly, it is likely, as Derren Brown said, they will go home and suffer immense pain again once their adrenalin has worn off. These events are quite frightening, but it doesn't dispute the power of language to control the body at that point in time. 

The power of  daily language

I realise we are not all magicians, but we all use language on a daily basis; it is how we communicate. So can we have the same level of influence over our friends, family, and colleagues if we wish? 

We already know that people learn in different ways, different forms of language are used to connect to people, including: speaking - where tone of voice becomes important -  reading, interacting on-line, meeting face-to-face - where body language comes into play. Each of these shows us that people respond to various forms of language mediums, and that language can have the power to manipulate those around us. 

The power of tone of voice and body language are huge. Studies have shown that 90% of our engagement in what we hear comes from the tone of voice and body language of the presenter. Just as I learnt in the radio show, even if the words being used are complete nonsense, they can still serve to 'hypnotise us'. Magicians and often dictators or cult leaders, use a whole array of language that people don't understand; it is the tone used that draws people in. 

Can stress make us blind?

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Recently I heard about the effect stress can have on the eyesight, where extreme stress can cause eyesight to seriously deteriorate. This again shows the power of our surroundings and language to effect the body and mind. This may explain why talking therapies are so popular and successful, but could also show how much more they could offer with further research. For example, is the tone of voice of the therapist considered in therapy sessions? I don't believe it is. We are certainly aware of things like NLP, hypnosis and magic to influence the mind, but unfortunately, our understanding of the power of the mind and body to interact is still very much in its infancy. 

Is language really so powerful?

Being the psychologist that I am, and fearing the thought that we can be controlled as humans, I would never want language to be used to control, but to influence, it can be very powerful. 

All of this has made me wonder about the power our language could be having in the workplace. Thousands of conversations take place every day, over many different mediums, but do we understand the effect they are having on productivity, efficiency, workplace culture and the mental and physical health of our people? 

What's next?

Right now, I believe we only need to be more conscious of the language we use and be mindful of the effects we have on those around us. Being more aware of our surroundings can serve to create happier and healthier workplaces. 

As a final thought, I will leave you with one of the most famous and controversial experiments in psychology the Milgram experiment, which shows the power of a role and language to change the way we act...

It's certainly food for thought.