1. Select a thin font from the Character palette or from the Type menu, then select the Type tool () by pressing T. Now enter something. In the next step we will fill the type with a gradient, but to do that we first need to convert it to outlines. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+O will do just that, and then use Ctrl+G to group all the letters as a single object.

2. Create a gradient of your choice in the gradient palette. You can see the gradient I used below. Select the Gradient tool () by pressing G. Make sure the gradient type is linear, and fill the type with the gradient. Use whatever direction and distance you would like.
   

3. Now we will make a duplicate of our type right behind it. To do this, first copy the type to the clipboard by pressing Ctrl+C, then press Ctrl+B to paste it in back. Now, we will expand our newly created duplicate a little bit by using Object > Path > Offset Path. I used an offset of 2 points, and set the joins round. You may try different settings as you see fit.

4. You don't really need to do this, but since we are on a white background for the time being, the real effect we are after may not look very good unless we create an outline around our type. First use the Unite icon in the PathFinder palette to make the now expanded duplicate a uniform object (if you don't do this, you may get unexpected results when you stroke it). Set the stroke color black (or a dark color), and the stroke width 1 point (or bigger - your choice).

5. In a moment, our type will come in focus. Select the Gradient tool again, and fill the duplicate with the same gradient. But this time, use a different direction and/or distance. Voila, that's it!

Now the effect is complete, but to make it more dramatic, you may add a dark color background (see left), or apply a drop shadow. In short, just experiment a little bit!

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