Real telepathy doesn't exist. But this trick is so good you'll swear it does.
Ask them to think of a number between 1-9. Multiply by 9. Add the digits. Subtract 5. Map to letter (1=A). Think of a country.
Say: "You thought of Denmark and an elephant." Works 80% of the time.
Say "I'm going to read your mind. Think of any word - any word at all."
Wait. Then say the most common words: "Table. Chair. Blue." Use their reaction to gauge if you're close.
The most common first thoughts are basic words - play the odds.
Ask three questions. Watch their eyes - looking up and right means remembering, up and left means creating. Remember their answers.
Make vague statements that could apply: "You're a hard worker but feel underappreciated." Everyone relates to this.
People think their thoughts are private. When you correctly guess something, they're amazed. When you guess wrong, they just think "close." You remember the hits, they remember the hits - the misses disappear.
Use MagiCulator to combine this with calculator magic for maximum effect.
Download for iOS