"Hypnosis" has many definitions depending on who you ask... my favorite is that it's simply a communication style and delivery method for information. In the case of coaching and change-work I deliver motivational and empowering suggestions of personal breakthroughs and in the case of a stage performance or demonstration I deliver direct commands designed to turn into funny or amazing situations.
My friend James Hazlerig defined hypnosis as "the ability to get real results from imaginary events," (which I love,) yet people all over the world still debate whether it's a state of mind or altered consciousness... the answer is yes.
In-fact, because of it's name, hypnosis gets a bad rep but the hypnotic process is commonly seen in yoga, guided imagery, mindfulness meditation, creative visualization, placebo, television commercials, news programs, politics, etc.