One of the principal elements of hypnosis is the use of verbal suggestions to alter awareness, perception, emotion and behavior. Although suggestions are often strikingly effective in the context of hypnosis, they can also be shown to be of great value in other areas. To learn more about suggestion effects, watch/read these TED-ED entries on placebo effects, and nocebo effects.

Verbal suggestions reflect a clear example of the power of language to shape our cognition and perception in various ways. Although suggestions are conceptually distinct from other linguistic devices that are often used to “influence” people, they have some overlap. To learn more about these effects, watch/read this TED-ED entry on the art of persuasive speech and how language can shape the way we think.

Although not discussed in the article, one way that hypnotic suggestions may impact perceptions is creating set of precise predictions (priors) that subsequently influence their perception. Some similar ideas are considered in this TED-ED video on how your brain may be hallucinating your reality.If you want to delve into more formal, academic work, consider reading these different articles on the cognitive neuroscience of hypnosis.