Video: Self-help guru Paul McKenna at Sheffield’s Made festival

The hypnotist talked about how the ways in which people breathe, stand and smile can affect their behaviour, which in turn, can lead to success. And when talking about the power of internal dialogue, he said: “Who here has ever made a mistake and said, ‘Oh, another learning experience!’ ”

Earlier, he said that after leaving school with few qualifications he could have ended up working in a supermarket, until he discovered self help.

But with only about 20 per cent of seats occupied, the organisers will be hoping for a much bigger turnout today when a full day of speakers is scheduled.

Ticket sales are believed to be about 1,800 against the 3,000 predicted, Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg cancelled a speech at the Made festival ahead of an expected recall of Parliament.

The Sheffield Hallam MP was set to give a surprise talk about his Northern Futures vision to devolve money and power to create an economic hub in the North.

But shortly after his planned appearance was revealed, it had to be cancelled.

A minister has appeared at all three MADE festivals so far, including Business Secretary Vince Cable, who has appeared twice.

A gala dinner for 400 was held last night at the Cutlers’ Hall, hosted by Mark Easton, the BBC home editor, with a keynote speech from Wayne Hemingway, the founder of Red or Dead.

Earlier this week, a project was launched which aims to bring jobs and investment to South Yorkshire.

Chambers of commerce representing businesses in Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Rotherham, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire have joined forces to create the Big Investment Project (BIP).