Understanding and applying covert hypnosis techniques is no easy process. Whilst inducing someone into a trance state and planting suggestions within them voluntarily may seem easy enough, going the next step and actually bringing someone into a trance outside of their conscious awareness is an entirely different matter.

One of the fundamental mistakes that people make when using covert hypnosis is that they're in too much of a rush to plant their suggestions. Covert hypnosist isn't as straightforward as voluntary hetero hypnosis, and thus if you treat it as being the same, then you're not going to get the results you expect.  What you want to do with covert hypnosis is always test whether or not the other person is responding to your suggestions and anchors. Look at the person's body language, see if they're maintaining eye contact with you and really listening to you. You can even practice triggering an anchor you have planted discreetly to see whether or not it will have any effect upon the person you've planted it within.  Always remember that discreet suggestions can sometimes take time to plant. Sure, with some people who are naturally suggestible to you, you may find that you can have them acting upon your discreet suggestions within only a minute of having met them. With most people however, you will need to plant your suggestions over a period of thirty minutes or so, to ensure that will be planted successfully.  So by always testing your techniques, and seeing people's reactions, you will be able to induce people into these deep hypnotic states so that you can make changes within them that suit you. The changes may be as simple as making the person fall into a form of lust when they hear a certain word or phrase that you make, or something much more detailed such as making a person confidence whenever they speak in public, or approach a crowded setting.  Many people think that covert hypnosis techniques can only be used to benefit yourself. This is not the case at all, as you can use these techniques to benefit the other person as well, and make changes within them. This is useful if you really, genuinely want to help another person without receiving anything in return from them.  So make sure to always test a person's responses whilst applying these techniques, and you will be able to tell just how well the techniques are working sooner, rather than later.  

Steven Peliari is a Master Hypnotist and Chairman of the International Hypnosis Association. He has recently released his famed best selling course The Art Of Covert Hypnosis, which teaches how to apply covert hypnosis techniques within discreet settings.