Nested loops are a lot of fun.
They are for a whole range of reasons, from entertainment to powerful persuasion.
They’re based on a study done on some waiters and waitresses, which demonstrate why our brains hate “unfinished business.” Wait staff that had open tables (open loops, or unfinished business) tended to remember everything about them.
Psychologists theorize that our short term memory and focus is heightened when something is still open, and our desire and curiosity is fired up.
Precisely why TV shows, movies, and books have used the “cliffhanger” effect with great success.
Even some commercials leverage this, to some extent.
It also uses something from hypnosis called “fractionation.”
For example, if you’re watching a certain commercial, with certain characters, it wil develop certain “feelings.”
Then when we see another commercial, a couple of weeks or even years later, with the same characters, but a different “story” we IMMEDIATELY will recall those original “feelings,” only a lot stronger.
Don’t underestimate your brains incredible power to keep track of a lot of stuff!
So, how do you use “nested loops?”
They’re pretty easy. Just think of a few stories, any stories. They can be movies you’ve seen, books you’ve read, or things that happened to you while waiting in line at the supermarket.
Just get three or four of them, and be clear where the “climax point” is for each story.
Then just start telling them. Weave them into the conversation however you can. Only as you’re building up to the climax point, suddenly switch stories, and start another one.
Then once you’ve got a few “open loops” start closing them, but not all of them.
This will not only keep them on the edge of their seat, but they’ll think you are the most charismatic person they’ve ever seen.
If you leave a few loops “open” they’ll be thinking about you, and wondering why they can’t get you out of their heads, and they’ll be very GLAD to see you when they do see this again.
Can you think of various circumstances where this skill can come in handy?
There’s plenty more!
Find out: