Hi ! I have performed few times and do tricks like Impossible by larry jennings and my problem is, people want every time shuffle deck before they start dealing. And thats not only trick when i have set uped/stacked deck and start performing, people start shuffle or ask can i shuffle deck. (ofcource only when i do trick what needs spectators help). How you avoid this thing? What you do when people ask can i shuffle deck? Ofcouse i can just say "no", but then they know something is going on. Are my spectators just special or happens that usually for you guys?`I just want some tips how i can fix that problem. Thing is sometimes same, when i do like riffle force, spectator ask: Do i have to take that card? Can i take someone else?" OFCOURCE YOU HAVE TO LAYMAN!
Help for performing
- Thread starter Ibracadabr47
- Start date
It sounds like you're having some trouble with audience management. Without seeing your performance I have to assume you're giving them a puzzle or challenge of some sort which they feel the need to solve or overcome.
The biggest mistake I see new magicians make is that jump right into doing tricks without getting the audience on their side first. You want the audience to like you before you start performing at all. That way they won't look for a method or try to "beat" you by screwing up your trick. Also - What kind of script are you saying? Do you just dictate what you're doing or do you actually engage the audience in conversation? When you dictate your actions, they tune you out and focus on what you're doing and unless that's extremely interesting (which it won't be, by the way, only magicians care about sleight of hand) they'll just try to figure out your trick.
So in short - examine your performance to see what it is that's triggering their desire to mess you up.
The biggest mistake I see new magicians make is that jump right into doing tricks without getting the audience on their side first. You want the audience to like you before you start performing at all. That way they won't look for a method or try to "beat" you by screwing up your trick. Also - What kind of script are you saying? Do you just dictate what you're doing or do you actually engage the audience in conversation? When you dictate your actions, they tune you out and focus on what you're doing and unless that's extremely interesting (which it won't be, by the way, only magicians care about sleight of hand) they'll just try to figure out your trick.
So in short - examine your performance to see what it is that's triggering their desire to mess you up.
Yeah if the spectators are questioning you at every point, you're obviously not in control. Learn audience management and always be confident in what you do.
I forget who says this, but "you should present you magic as a gift" (sorry I forget who's quote that is). The point is that if the audience is keyed into the fact that this is for them to enjoy, and not a challenge, they will accept it instead of trying to ruin it. I have also found that it is very important not to get mad at the spectators. Even if they are giving you sh*t about how many cards you're REALLY holding or if you using a trick deck (even if you really are not), it is key to remember that they only act how you've conditions them to. As ChristopherT said, you want to get them on your side, and the best way to do that, is to let them know that it's a privilege that they get to see what you have to show.
Hope this helped.
Hope this helped.