Conversation so far:
How does John Edward back up his psychic abilities?
Critics of John Edward assert that he performs the mentalist techniques of hot reading and cold reading.
What is involved in a hot reading?
In hot reading, the reader uses information about the person receiving the reading (for example, from background research) which the receiver is not aware that the reader already knows.
What other techniques does John Edward use besides hot reading?
John Edwards performs mentalist techniques of cold reading as well

Question: Does this prove to be successful?
Self-contained rewrite: Does John Edward's communication with audience members' deceased friends and relatives prove to be successful?