The lecture is presented in a conversational format with Krystyn being interviewed by Erik Tait.

First, let me tell what I liked about this lecture. Krystyn begins by explaining her philosophy on giving readings including being authentic, honest, kind, compassionate and lifting the person up. Her mindset of being honest and compassionate resonated with me and is a great approach for anyone to embrace.

The discussion on cold reading includes and explanation of a handful of concepts taught in the book The Full Facts of Cold Reading by Ian Rowland, which Krystyn recommends. During the discussion, Erik Tait tries to take a couple of the concepts taught and create a cold reading statement on the fly so viewers can see how the concepts may be applied.

Three effects are demonstrated via clips from a live performance: Tarot Impulse, Q&A and Dreams. Watching the 12 minute Q&A performance was probably the highlight of the lecture for me. In her Q&A, Krysten answers audience questions - a true Q&A, versus the audience reading approach many performers use today. Tarot Impulse and Dreams are explained more thoroughly than the Q&A, which is explained conceptually at a high level.

What I didn't care for:

This is my opinion. Your perception and mileage may vary. Did you ever read a 300 page book and then think to yourself, they could have covered all the points in 10 pages? That's how I felt about this lecture. Krystyn had two pages of notes on a table next to her, and clearly had an outline of content she wanted to present, but she really takes a long time to get to her point. She constantly goes off on tangents trying to get to her point. When she finally does start making a point, again she goes off on tangents. And when she finishes making a point, again she keeps talking and going off on tangents, making it really hard to follow. Some lecturers are great at getting right to the point and explaining a concept clearly and concisely, then moving on to their next point. Not the case here. A lot of excessive talking that is not needed and makes it hard to follow.

Krystyn does explain her philosophy on cold reading ethics: be honest, authentic, kind, compassionate, up-lifting which is all good. But you can only make these points so many times. Make your point and move on. When it comes to teaching how to do cold reading, there are only a handful of concepts taught. This lecture covers maybe 1% of the concepts taught in the book The Full Facts of Cold Reading. Again, she has a hard time getting to the point. Just too much rambling for my taste. Kind of reminded me of watching a Peter Turner lecture. If you like Peter Turner's style, you might like this lecture. Someone new to cold reading would learn very little in the way of practical concepts which they could go out and apply.

The Q&A explanation left me wanting more. The basic approach is explained conceptually at a high level, but there is no detailed walk-through or show and tell of the complete methodology. Experienced mentalists well-read on the Q&A will understand what's happening, but someone just starting out will be left scratching their head as she only speaks conceptually about what to do, but does not show how to do it. For example, the method for secretly obtaining audience questions is only briefly mentioned but not full explained. Yes, Krystyn uses a commercial product that is not hers to explain, but there are many other ways to do something similar using DIY methods that could have been shown to achieve a similar result. She also only speaks conceptually to how the information is accessed during the performance, but does not show or explain details. This I found disappointing.

To net it out for me, I enjoyed the parts of the lecture that discussed ethics and mindset of cold reading, and also the Q&A performance. The rest of the lecture I found frustrating due to constantly going off on tangents and excessive talking. Those well-read in and experienced with cold reading will not learn much new here. For those new to cold reading, a much better starting point would be Richard Webster's Quick and Effective Cold Reading because it teaches a complete system for cold reading one can learn then go out and use. For those new to Q&A, Bob Cassidy's Q&A Masterclass is phenomenal.

If you're wanting to get into cold reading this is a good place to start. You get just enough information to wet the appetite. The reason I say "just enough" is that it's at times all over the place, hard to follow, and just the beginning of what you'd want to know. You can tell Krystyn is a seasoned performer but with that knowledge it can be hard to distill and then teach. As a professional performer myself, you just know what you know. Then when you try to explain it, it can be difficult. Also know that if you're looking for tricks or full explanations, this isn't it. She only performs a couple pieces and doesn't really give full explanations on the workings. With that said, anyone who has any bit of knowledge of mentalism should be able to glean what is happening.

I will say if you're wanting a more in depth study on cold reading techniques, look into Ian Rowland Full Facts of Cold Reading. Also look into Luke Jermay's work, specifically his Making Mind Reading Look Real. If you're interested in diving into Q&A, then Luke or Bob Cassidy's work would be more beneficial as they go into lots more detail.

I've spent years studying cold reading and specifically Q&A and therefore didn't get much out of this from a performance standpoint. Yet it was good to hear another perspective and even just one or two things learned is a win.

This is an outstanding lecture and a great way for Penguin to kick off the return of Penguin Live! If you have an interest in Readings and Question Answering Krysten will show you how to approach it the only way you should, with compassion and empathy. Whether you're new to readings or well seasoned there is something for you here!

Its a lot of chit chat and casual explanation but not too fuzzy. Its a nice way of thinking and good to hear. Its not really explaining whole tricks to perform but if you have experience or have other sources then you will get great advice which you can put direktly in to practice. No matter if you perform official or casual. I like it a lot and have learned some nuances i really apreciate.

This is the most refreshing lecturer I've seen since becoming a magician. I make most of my money as a reader. These are the lessons I wish all mentalists were teaching. I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

What a refreshing lecture. Krystyn is warm, open, and generous. She's better prepared that most lecturers. Even if you have no intention of ever doing cold reading, you'll learn things that will make you a performer who actually connects with an audience. This lecture is not like others, and that makes it great.

As a guy whose been cold reading long enough to know a few things, I found this lecture fascinating. I get how some may think Krysten is just talking or what have you, but reading is subtle.. And the comments on Brad Henderson's "The Dance" say the same and that book is genius! She gives a new approach that a lot of the guys working today just don't offer. Yeah, you may not learn a million tricks and a few of the techniques aren't unique but thats not the point imho. What you'll learn is far more intangible than that... intuition as data is brilliant and why we need to be empathetic

Great intro into cold reading with a lot of information and alternate sources mentioned. I like her approach to the Q and A and the pivots she uses. She is highly intelligent and Erik does a good job of adding and asking good questions to elevate the lecture. I am looking forward to the new lectures on the way.

An excellent lecture. Is it long? Yes, but worth the time. Ms. Lambert is an excellent teacher, who explains the philosophy of her effects so to better understand what makes the effects work. Highly recommended.

I love everything about Krystyn Lambert's approach to both cold reading and mentalism. She shows a level of empathy and respect for her audience that very few mentalists do, and that every mentalist should aspire to.

In edition, even if you are not a mentalist, this material can still benefit you. Her techniques will help you make deeper connections with both individuals and your entire audience. Wanna know how to pick the perfect volunteer, or avoid hecklers before they even start? Learning how to read your audience will help with all pf that and more.

I simply cannot recommend this lecture enough.