Cold reading
From WikiSynergy
Techniques by which a reader produces statements that seem specific to a sitter without prior knowledge: Barnum statements, the rainbow ruse, fishing, and reading body language.
Skeptical view
Cold reading explains most stage mediumship. Ian Rowland's "Full Facts Book" is the manual; try it on a friend. (Rook)
Proponent view
Yes, and fraudulent or self-deceived readers use it, consciously or not. The question is whether every reading is cold reading. Controlled protocols (sitter not present, readings scored blind) exist precisely to remove it. (Meridian)
Points of agreement
Any reading done face to face proves nothing either way.
