Mindreader Neil Henry has some tips

1. As you approach someone, glance at the flyer and smile then look up at the person still smiling and hand the flyer. They will be more likely to look at it if they see that it made you smile.

2. People are more likely to take a flyer from people that are happy. Never look grumpy. Keep smiling. Imagine each flyer you give makes you more and more happy and people will be drawn to you and in turn to the show you're flyering.

3. A good way to tickle someone s curiosity is to hand the flyer to them as if it's a 'secret show'. You could even whisper 'shh' and smile and wink as you give it to them.

4. Never look desperate. It should be an obvious one but there are so many flyers that exude an air of desperation. Even if you've only sold three tickets to your show that day never plead with people to come. Nothing turns people off a flyerer more.

5. Have fun while flyering. Psychologically this tells people that being associated with the show you are promoting is going to make THEM fun. If you see something that is making others have fun you want a piece of the action.

6. Be silly. Make people laugh. You'll stay in their head more if you say something silly like 'Come see this… it's what Freddie Mercury would have wanted' than someone who just says, 'Hey can I give you this flyer.'

7. The 'genii in the lamp' approach: 'Read this and make a wish….it comes true when you buy a ticket.' People know you're just having fun…but that's the point.

8. If you are sitting at a table, plant a flyer on the table and when someone is nearby notice it, pick it up and look at it with an 'Ooh yes.this is the one they were all talking about' attitude. Then offer it to the person and say something like, 'I've heard this is great.' Creating your own little imaginary grapevine.

9. Get eye contact with everyone you flyer. It shows that you are proud to be promoting the show and in turn makes the show intriguing.

10. Be a person. When was the last time you saw someone having a conversation with a vending machine? Be yourself. Strike up conversations. Ask what shows they can recommend. It will add psychological validity to yours.

• Neil Henry's Magical Mindsquirm is on at Pleasance Dome at 16:00.

Published: 6 Aug 2015