Ghost hunting shows portray bad technique left and right, but my biggest pet peeve is their EVP sessions!
Imagine you're sitting at home and all at once people enter your home and begin grilling you with questions:
"What is your name?"
"Why are you here?"
"Give me a sign of your presence."
"Do you know what year it is?"
"I dare you to punch me, kick me, yell at me!"
Would you tell them to get the fuck out of your home, you're not answering a question from strangers invading your space?
That being said, there are subtle ways to begin a conversation with the other side that are engaging and possess a genuine quality. You know how dogs can sense your fear? Well, it appears to apply to spirits, as well. Your intentions show quite obviously.
Enter the space and give it some admiration. "This is beautiful. I love the mantle." Sit down with your other member(s) and chit chat about your day, the traffic, your family, and all things that are personal and everyone can relate to, the ups and downs of the living. Mention family members, mention hopes and dreams. During this time you are becoming real, having true motivations, and are approachable. Had those people entering your home complimented your decorating, sat down and divulged their own lives to you in an earnest manner, you would have trusted and divulged more of yourself to them, wouldn't you?
That being said, you spend a nice length of time on the personal talk, including some joking around and laughter. Laughter is universally a curious thing. Even your dog stops what it's doing and stares at you when you laugh. Others turn to see what is so funny. Now, you're real, you're revealed yourself, and you've shown a sense of humor and kindness.
During this conversation, at some point (perhaps 15-20 minutes into it), turn and invite the unseen in the room to join the conversation. There is no need to explain the device on the table with the light on it. Simply turn during a conversation about your children painting on your favorite chair and say, "is there anyone else here knows what that's like? Children are a blessing, but they sure can get into mischief. What did your children do?" Then, you can engage them more. "I like it here. I bet you do too. Have you been here long?" You can talk with your group about someone you miss and don't live near. Turn and invite the unseen into this conversation. "Do you miss anyone? If you tell me their name, maybe I can help you find them." Treat the unseen as a companion in a conversation, bringing them into the topic of conversation. Later, you will know if you were successful when you review your recordings. Be sure that when you're leaving, you give them time to get used to the idea. "We have to go soon. I would like to come back again. Would you let us be your guests again?" Then, thank them for being good hosts.
There is karma in the ghost world, too. You treat them as if they are still alive and you are a guest in their domain, they will treat you accordingly. Some people ask me about baiting and taunting. I have practiced it without success. It is a last ditch effort to get a reaction, but the truth is, if you bully someone, they usually won't speak to you, but back down. What in life got reactions from the living? Kindness and hospitality. Yes, it's that simple.
Always do EVP sessions in a professional manner and that means setting down the recording device, announcing any time a door shuts, a car goes by, someone shuffles or coughs. Then, when reviewing it, you will know what those mystery sounds are and account for them.
Happy conversing!
