April Fools Tricks and Pranks

I was on the Today Show Live on April 1st doing a secret prank followed by a segment where I'll teach some quick tricks you can do at home. If you missed it, take a look!

Here's a list of simple April Fools tricks and pranks you might enjoy this season!

First... What makes a good prank? To begin with, catching someone in a vulnerable position! Secondly, a prank should not be expensive, harm anyone or cause damage. Thirdly, it's great when the "victim" does the prank on themselves after you set it up and walk away. Most importantly, there needs to be some sort of cleverness involved. For instance, jumping out of a trashcan. WEAK. It's nothing more than scaring someone. The reason the head-drop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsL_JDtVbww) works so well is because it's surprising...AND they were not only surprised but wondered HOW it could be happening. Speaking of adding more layers to a prank, it does not get much more vulnerable and simple than this spider prank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6DaU4qoSQA

Being that April Fools falls on a workday this year, perhaps you need a good one for the office! Here's some simple ones:

1. Something like making a bunch of copies of a paperclip. Then take that stack of paper and put it back in the machine for use. When someone makes a copy, they will assume there is a paperclip (or whatever you copied) under the lid. But when they look for the paperclip under the copy lid, they can not find it. They try a copy again. Then again... Oh, the "fun" keeps delivering...

2. Take a drawer out of a desk (if it's that type of desk) and put a squeaky toy (like a dog toy) behind it so it squeaks when they open and shut the door.

3. Place a pair of shoes with a couple shipping tubes inside to act like legs with pants or shorts over them and down to the shoes to appear like someone is sitting/occupying a toilet stall. Just leave it there all day...

4. If you happen to work in an office with foam ceiling tiles, place a persons cell phone ABOVE a panel over their desk... then repeatedly call them and watch them search for their phone. The sound will be muffled to throw off where it is.

5. Get everyone you can to call in sick. Of course, you better have a really nice boss since they are going to stress out for a day trying to figure out what to do! When they arrive to work, be sure everyone is there before the boss arrives.

Here's a handful of a great pranks that do not cost much to create and can be implemented quickly:

1. Spider on toilet paper prank. KILLER. It cost nothing if you have a fake plastic spider or very little to get one. It is attached to the BACKSIDE of a paper roll. This causes the victim to give the illusion the spider is running after them when the vicim pulls the paper. Awesome effect. This certainly gets people in a very vulnerable position as well. Check, check. check.

2. No-suck straw. It's a fun and harmless prank to tie a knot in the end of a straw and wait for the quick opportunity to swap it with a friends straw in their drink. Then you wait for them to take a sip... Easy and fun joke.

3. Spider on string. Enough said... Having a spider "drop" near you or on you is a classic and will work forever. See some reactions here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57o3QAP2QWU

4. For husbands and wives... something "clean" like the endless soapy head. Basically, lets say you are showering and rinsing out your hair... Meanwhile, your husband secretly adds much more shampoo to the top of your head! You keep rinsing and rinsing...

5. Epoxy money to the ground and watch people try to grab it... doing it an evening before at a busy walkway is great.

6. Putting salt into someone's toothbrush.

7. Moving someone's car somewhere else can really freak them out depending on when and where you do it.

8. Replacing salt with sugar at the table.

9. Stick a slightly wet sponge (or piece of sponge) deep into the toe of someone's shoe. They wont know what hit them when they put the shoe on...

10. If it's raining, dropping shredded paper or confetti into a closed umbrella. It takes a second to drop it in as you walk by.

11. Change every clock in the house back and hour so they arrive an hour early to whatever starts their day.

12. Of course, the classic rubber band on the hose sprayer at the kitchen sink! It can really make someone upset though if they are running off to work! They turn on the faucet and get sprayed.

13. Reverse a lock and handle on a door so someone locks themselves IN a room.

14. Adjust volumes on radios, computers and TV's really loud then turn them off so when they are turned on it will be crazy loud.

15. Take a screen capture of someone's computer screen and open that image full screen. They will not be able to click what they think are their folders and documents!

16. Crushing a plastic cup under your armpit as it looks like you twist your neck, crack your wrist, break your neck, etc. Always gets a reaction.

17. Fake spoiled milk... Add a little green or blue food coloring to some milk to make it looks spoiled.

18. Balance a cup of water on the ledge of a open slightly door so it falls onto someone when they push it open.

19. Switch yogurt for mayo or sour cream, etc...

20. A simple one for students is to suggest to a few friends that "there is a test today"... a group can easily convince a single person of anything!

21. A classic that you can make at home is put someone's personal belonging in a plastic bag and stick it in jello after you just make it... let it harden up and serve it later.

22. Print out a fake ticket. There are great sites on line. You can make a parking ticket, concert tickets as a "gift" and much more! http://prudentbaby.com/2011/03/by-craft/april-fools-prank-the-fake-parking-ticket-with-free-downloads-2 and http://faketicketgenerator.com are simple examples.

23. Break/chew up a piece of stripped white and red mint candy... Act like you smashed your face against a pole... or fake fall down. Come up with what looks to be a tooth or two broken.

24. Adding a layer a clear cling wrap over a toilet bowl is simple and "creative" because it is somewhat an illusion, but it can really make a mess. If you feel like helping to clean up a potential mess, have fun...

25. The worst thing you could do is set up a prank that could ruin someone's day instead adding fun to their day... However, INCASE, you need to get back at someone, I'll remind you of this one: Add a little baby powder to the front end of a hair-dryer. When they turn it on, it will be a massive mess. You could also add some baby powder to the top of a ceiling fan and wait for them to turn it on another time for a shower of powder. Again, this is a revenge type prank and not recommended otherwise.

The lists go on and on… Enjoy this April Fools and try not to do anything too stupid… and if you do, send me a link. I want to see it.

In addition, one of my books has a ton of pranks, icebreakers, bar bets and magic tricks good to mess with anyone, anywhere, anytime: http://www.amazon.com/Tricks-Pick-Up-Chicks-Psychology/dp/1450560180 Makes a superb magic or gag gift for any teen boy as well.

Feel free to share this page with anyone you know that needs some simple ideas.

By the way, here's more of the Hidden Man inside the Chair Prank!! Enjoy and share with friends:

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Body Language and Influence in Sales Speaker

"The Magic of Body Language: It's no Illusion" is an in depth training program and keynote program by me, Rich Ferguson. It's designed for sales people and managers alike. Programs run up to 2.5 hours and include the fundamentals of body language and human behavior before digging deeper into shift of behavior and how to capitalize on opportunities. Once we are familiar with the various aspects of body language, we shift to influence and NLP and how it can dramatically improve your sales, life and relationships. It covers all these areas in an order than makes sense and is digestible by complete novices and intriguing by those quite familiar with human behavior. I can guarantee you have not looked at body language this way before. Why? It's because it's my technology based on real-wrold application, observation and survival.

Curious what subtle messages you might be sending that you shouldn't?

Interested in knowing how to adjust in sticky situations or when to walk away?

Want to know how to CLOSE THE DEAL?

Do you want to outsell your competition? 

These are just a few areas that scratch the surface of what's possible with my real-world approach to body language, influence and psychology of sales. As an award winning mentalist and magician, I've adopted certain skills and methods that work. This is not theoretical psychological guess work that leaves you wondering what to do. I share techniques and principles based on common sense and human tendencies. I share exactly what I use to capitalize on opportunities and persuade people to help create those opportunities. 

Consider having me at your next retreat or convention. Having me as your specialized expert in body language and psychology is fun. You are treated to a coupe psychological tricks and learn how these techniques are the complete backbone to HOW I do what I do as a mentalist. In addition to the training, I'm there for you and your staff as the entertainer for the after parties in the event you have one. I make the experience of learning heavy material quite engaging and fun. Here's a fun video followed by just a few of the hundreds of slides in the full program

Did you know that when someone shakes your hand and brings up a bag, purse, folder or some sort of object between you, that they are subconsciously blocking you. It could be from fear, intimidation, lack of confidence or a variety of reasons. My full program will give you the tools to decipher exactly what it means based on each situation. It's all about what I call a "shift in behavior."

Here's an important question regrading the misuse of power. Have you ever sat on the other side of your desk? You might be surprised at what you discover. Think of it this way; you are already in the power position since someone is entering your office and sitting across from you. It's essentially your territory. Why is it then that so many people offer a seat to a worker or potential client that is uncomfortable? Uncomfortable how? There are numerous reasons. Here's just one example: The person on the left is sitting at the bosses large, intimidating table and has to be crowded by all those personal items. It might look good from the bosses side, but it psychologically puts the other person in a position that is not inviting or comfortable. You will get 35% less out of a person put in this position. 

There is a huge difference between confidence and dominance. These are often misused in daily life, dating, business, sales and more. In this picture, the guy on the left is dominating me by forcing my palm to turn upwards and literally taking "the upper hand."  In the program, I discuss many ways to deal with or avoid these sitautions. You will learn the strategy to body language and see it in a new light. For instance, I can regain the power in this position by simply stepping forward and initiating an invasion of the other person's space a bit. On the other hand, you may choose to do nothing except take note of this persons controlling intentions! The simple fact that you are now aware gives you the upper hand in negotiating. 

Along the way, you get some great tips to deciphering truths. For instance, in this next photo, notice the difference in how I shrug. On the left, I shrug with two shoulders. Subconsciously, I've revealed that I likely do not know. However, on the right, I've revealed that I know much, much more and am not interested in telling you. A single shrug may reveal some deception. We visit a tremendous amount of easy to spot positions pertaining to hand movements, finger movements, facial expressions, shift of feet and much more. 

I've developed a whole new take on body language called Shift in Behavior. In my line of work as a mentalist and magician, I have to be a step ahead of people or my effects or demonstrations will not work. I must gain knowledge of what someone is truly thinking regardless of the acting they are putting on. In my explorations and growth as a mentalist, I realized that all the books and common knowledge regarding body language was missing a key point. What's that? Body language means very little without context! For instance, someone has their arms crossed at a party. It might mean a dozen things if the arms where already crossed when you arrive to the person. However, if they crossed their arms after you said something, that might be a strong sign that you caused it. What you do with that information depends on your strategy. We talk about influence and strategy.  

There is a lot going on in this simple picture. Without a full seminar, I can simplify it by revealing that the girl is enjoying whatever the guy on the right is dishing out. Her arms and palms are upwards, revealing a very strong subconscious sign of security and attraction. It's a vulnerable position to be in and nobody would every turn their hands upwards if they were uncomfortable or not interested in whatever message you were feeding them. 

I bet you'd think the guy on the right is the confident one. You'd be wrong. The guy on the right is flexing to purposefully convey he's "confident." How do I know? Look at how much room he is trying to take up. He's trying to appear big and confident. Secondly, the smile appears to be forced. Thirdly, his thumbs vanished. That's right! His thumbs vanished. On the picture to the left, he is leaning forward a bit, revealing a strong interest and engagement. His thumbs are also upward, revealing a strong sign of confidence. In the full training, we cover so many misinterpretations like this. The goal is to help you avoid loosing sales or not seeing doors that are wide open for you. I will show you how to capitalize on opportunities... or avoid assumptions. 

Here's a shot from the various photos in the program explaining things as subtle as thumb placement. In these shots, the man is showing high confidence due to the thumbs being exposed or upward. 

One of the most fundamental aspects of body language is determining the difference between dominance and confidence. It is not okay to be controlled. However, it's entirely fine to be in close proximity to someone that exudes power or confidence. In fact, it's attractive. Knowing the difference is very simple and we cover dozens of scenarios. This simple handshake below reveals a tremendous amount about someone's intentions. The guy offers his hand face up and allows the girl to have the "upper hand." She will "feel" like he can be trusted, is there for her needs and will listen. However, if the girl turned him to this same position, it means something entirely different. It would reveal that she is taking strong control, asserting her dominance (not confidence), revealing that he is not equal to her, and revealing the he is weak. The two roads will end in very different sales, relationships and negotiations. I reveal how to notice these behaviors easily and how to adjust for them. 

Did you know it's not uncommon for people to mingle at a business function with a stack of businesses cards in their hand? Do you realize, if you do this, that the message being subtly sent to those you give your card to is, "I do not care about your services. I just care about getting my card into your hand." Be careful of the intention you might be sending. An important aspect of body language is realizing what message you might be sending, intentional or not. Many more warning signs and tips are shared within my programs. 

I've created two simple golden rules for body language and here are the basic two rules for influence. In short, you must observe and read people before you can influence them. Otherwise, you are just pushing your agenda without any care of their needs or interest in absorbing what you have to offer. With simple observation, you can adjust your strategy or message to be accepted by someone who would not have otherwise been receptive. The real magic of body language and influence is putting those arts together to help with your goals, sales or relationships. 

There are many forms of influence from right and left brain conflict, association, conditioning, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to visualization and more. Here's a simple point about the power of visualization. A parent might tell a child, "Do not knock that glass over!" In the very act of saying what you do not want, you paint the picture in the kids mind of a glass being knocked over. You see, the brain can not decipher negatives. If I asked you to NOT think of a dog, you'd think of a dog. Therefore, you can realize that it's just as much the parent fault for a glass being knocked over as it is the kids. A glass might have been precariously placed or a child might have been roughhousing... but the kid never was hoping or thinking of knocking a glass over. What's a simple remedy? It's as easy as asking what you want. For instance, "Hold that glass securely." Painting a picture of what you want is essential in influence. 

There's many areas where we can see how we reduce our success in deals. Here's just an example of how common language has negative results. There are subtle suggestions and influence in how we phrase things. It also reveals someone's arrogance, dominance, comfort, respect and much more by how we structure our points. See the examples below for some insight. 

The holy grail of influence is NLP (your re-framing of information). We discuss the many forms and uses of NLP, the framework and strategy. Here's a basic form of structure that will give you great results in business and sales. I give you the tools to avoid situations or capitalize on opportunities. We dive into several type of uses and structures of NLP. 

Finally, the program ends with some humorous common sense... or lack thereof!

We have just scratched the surface of how a program like mine can help you in sales and I hope I can talk to you more at a convention, retreat, training seminar or sales meeting soon. I've have a unique perspective of how body language works with influence. From learning to read at the late age of 12 and having to learn to be a step ahead of people to having a career in the arts of magic and metalism, I truly believe I can help you and others see the science of human behavior in a powerful new way. Let me join you and show how revealing the world is around us. 

Please visit my official site to book me or discuss details. I hope this introduction was useful, fun and intriguing.

Thanks, RICH Ferguson, aka "The Ice Breaker"

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Share SLO - San Luis Obispo Ambassador

The ShareSLO Ambassador for San Luis Obispo is getting exciting! ShareSLO is a unique marketing campaign to "share" everything about "SLO" with tourists and be a vessel for attracting tourism dollars via interviews, videos, social media and much more. Even Christopher Walker is chiming in;)  See the hilarious ShareSLO video on my facebook page or below.

(update: Voting is over) Who do YOU think should be the first ever Ambassador to the Central Coast? Listen to Christopher Walken and learn what makes a good candidate... then go VOTE for Rich Ferguson: http://a.pgtb.me/frngn2

On a side note, where do you think this shot is taken?

See the full video on my facebook

People are having a great time trying to promote themselves. I thought I'd make a couple fun videos to promote ShareSLO as well. Here's a magical story that shares why I'd make a great Ambassador for San Luis Obispo! You might watch it a couple times and listen for the triple meanings in there. As "simple" as this trick is, it's a bit of a tongue twister! Enjoy and share with friends!

I truly believe I'm suited perfectly for this unique ShareSLO Ambassadorship. If you feel I have the skills and have proven myself previously to this competition, please VOTE FOR ME daily and ask your friends to vote as well.

All my best, RICH Ferguson

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

ShareSLO Ambassador

Heard of the ShareSLO Contest and Ambassador? Let me "share" what it's all about.

The city of San Luis Obispo, in conjunction with Rosetta, is doing a very exciting project called ShareSLO. Check out their website (www.shareslo.com) for full details about the unique ambassadorship for my central California town! Essentially, the ambassador (maybe ME) is a person who lives in "SLO" and has great social influence. The ambassador will share hidden gems, businesses and our "SLO lifestyle" with the world via social media, interviews, contests and more. It's being called the Best Job in the Happiest Town in America.

Do you recall the famous "The Best Job in the World" in 2009 that was promoted by the Tourism Queensland in Australia? They offered an amazing job to live on an island near the Great Barrier Reef for a half of a year. The winner created a worldwide buzz about tourism to the Great Barrier Reef using social media, videos and interviews. There were over 34, 000 applicants from around the globe! Similarly, the city of San Luis Obispo is going to promote our magical city with this unique type of job and publicity campaign. San Luis Obispo is a great town to attempt this!

San Luis Obispo is a magical place indeed!

Please follow ShareSLO!
Twitter: twitter.com/ShareSLO2013
Facebook: facebook.com/shareslo.com
YouTube: youtube.com/user/SecretsofSLO

My 90 second video submission:



(Update: VOTING IS OVER) Wish me luck and visit the ShareSLO contest to VOTE daily for me starting January 25, 2013-February 18, 2013. The top 10 entries will be accepted to be interviewed for this part time position.

Here's just a few reasons I'd be a great candidate for the project:

My creative interests and social influence makes me a great candidate. Being a public figure in and out of the area would be useful for opening doors to more access, interviews and exposure. Speaking of exposure, I made Google's most searched list for 2012 and created over 100 million views of bubble gum alley! Social media and video exposure is a crucial component to the success of this position and I've been in the forefront of it for many years.

Although my job as an entertainer takes me all over the world, I chose to live on the Central Coast, I'm very proud of it. I've lived here for over 30 years and it's important to utilize someone for this project who has vast knowledge of the hidden treasures throughout our county. I'd love to generate more tourism for hotels, shops, rentals and restaurants. I'd plan to work with small business and people like you to help with interviews and unique stories. I also plan to create a highly engaged YouTube channel, contests and challenges to drive additional traffic to the shareslo sites and make this a highly social and interactive experience for everyone.

This project fits my abilities perfectly and that I will do a great job for SLO, you or your business. I'd love to have what they are calling the "Best job in the happiest city in America." Please vote for Rich Ferguson as your SHARESLO ambassador. "Sharing the Magic of SLO"

Here's a segment our local NBC/KSBY ran which shares some additional details if interested! 

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Google 2012 Year in Review Zeitgeist

The Zeitgeist 2012 or Google's annual Year in Review is a highly anticipated video and event! The tops 10 searched people, events, videos and more are compiled and shared in a very moving and inspirational 3 minute video called Zeitgeist.



If you wondered how Google does it, here's an answer from their site:
"We studied an aggregation of over one trillion searches (or queries) that people typed into Google Search this year. We used data from multiple sources, including Google Trends and internal data tools. We filtered out spam and repeat queries to build lists that best reflect the spirit of 2012."

Google posted "2012 was a year of big moments, from global games to historical elections and everything in between. With this site, we've analyzed over one trillion queries to showcase what the world searched for."

Curious what the heck Zeitgeist is defined as? The Zeitgeist (spirit of the age or spirit of the time) is the intellectual fashion or dominant school of thought which typifies and influences the culture of a period. Zeitgeist is the general cultural, intellectual, ethical, spiritual, or political climate within a nation or even specific groups, along with the general ambiance, morals, sociocultural direction, and mood associated with an era.

It was a real honor to make a list and be in their video. I happen to flash by quickly at 2:30 as a shot from a popular head drop prank. This video has so many searches, combined with a somewhat popularity online, it put me into the top 10 of the list! I've done a handful of pranks and TV appearances in 2012, but if you missed this very popular one, check it out below. Don't loose your head over it;)

I wish I could find a copy, but the shortened version of this Year in Review was made for Television and surprisingly showcased me a lot by showing the entire head drop! Wild stuff! I aired on every major network globally on New Years.

In January of 2013, I received a surprise gift from Google as well. Although I have a massive collection of mugs and trinkets, this one is a keeper! It's going right next to Ellen's Mug!

On a side note, for those interested in numbers, this particular video has a handful of million views on my personal YouTube channel. However, Google bases this Zeiteist off searches everywhere. Quite frankly, a few million views of a YouTube video is nothing compared to the overall searches and views necessary to be on a top 10 list. This video was licensed out to numerous networks such as NBC, ABC, CNN, Yahoo, etc and the searches for this and other videos of mine hit well over 100 million in under a week. The video appears and plays on numerous channels, site and shows globally. So, in the end, I traded exposure on other sites and TV networks for direct traffic to my own YouTube channel. It was well worth it. It's pretty wild. 



As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Holiday Prank

Pranks during the holidays are just too easy. There are so many boxes or costumes to hide in! Here's a funny holiday shopping prank done with a wonderful snowman mascot! This gag was filmed in San Luis Obispo during a shopping weekend. Yours truly filmed while my usual camera man hid inside to scare people.

The set up was simple. Get a quality looking snowman. Position it at a store. Conveniently drop a Happy Holiday sign as people approached and watch them try to secure it back on! Enjoy and share with friends!



As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Elevator Prank

You have probably seen the viral video going around with me removing my head. Here's an elevator prank version of the magic trick. We decided that the original prank filmed at daytime was too safe for people! In addition, there's something unsettling about an elevator at night. Imagine that you are about to enter an elevator, the doors open and a "normal looking" guy starts to walk out... then his head comes off while screaming. Enjoy!



If you missed the first video, check it out on our other head drop video post.

As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN