The hypnotic subject will naturally protect himself from physical harm under hypnosis. During a stage show, a hypnotist cannot command the person to walk off a five foot high stage and fall onto the ground. The command could be given, but the person would stop before walking off the stage. The hypnotist will create an elaborate story to push the subjects boundaries while always keeping them safe.

An excellent suggestion on stage to push the boundaries is as follows: On the count of three, act as if you are James Bond and walk up to every person you see and say, “My name is Bond, James Bond.” This suggestion illustrates how far outside the box hypnotism can lead its subjects. They are literally acting as if they are just in a deep state of hypnosis.