New to magic

[Shyatt]

Hey guys

I've only just got into learning magic, starting off with card magic from "The Royal Road to Card Magic". I started practicing properly just over a week ago and have already completed the first few chapters.
Even though I feel comfortable with what I have learnt- I can perform without staring at my hands and can also perform a few of the tricks from each chapter- am i going too fast?

Furthermore I seem to be quite uncomfortable with the presentation and 'patter' side of performing tricks. Are there any suggestions anyone might have that could help me improve my confidence and vocal presentation?

Thanks,

Stephen

 

[TeeDee]

Stephen,

You, sir, are doing exactly the right thing, so keep at it! Learning card magic from Royal Road is a perfect place to start, and will stand you in very good stead as you progress.

One note of caution, however. As you identified, you are going through the book quite quickly. Now would perhaps be a good time to go back to the beginning and go through each move and trick slowly, to make sure you have all the subtleties. Being able to perform without staring at your hands is a great step forward, but there is another level you can move to. Watch your performances in a mirror, or, ideally, film them and watch them back with a critical eye. When you execute a sleight, is it absolutely undetectable, or is there something that gives it away, maybe a tension in your hands or a small flash of movement? Ironing out these details early on will really help you move forward in magic quickly.

Confidence in performance comes mainly through experience. I would suggest choosing the easiest trick from Royal Road, make sure you have it thoroughly mastered, and then go out and perform it to anyone and everyone you can. Your first few performances will almost certainly be shaky and nervous but, if you persist, you will notice a change in the way you talk to people. You'll find you can engage your spectators and even improvise jokes and start putting your own spin on the trick.

Hope that was helpful. Good luck!

 

[Haunter]

If you'd like, record some videos of you performing and just post them on youtube as unlisted. Post a link up here asking for advice and I imagine you'll get it.

 

[etherealictrinity]

no way you cant go copying every little thing the book says you need to perform to anyone you can get your hands on to develop your own thing. Don't meticulously study all the patter and everything take the core concept and make it your own thats when magic becomes really fun.

 

[TeeDee]

no way you cant go copying every little thing the book says you need to perform to anyone you can get your hands on to develop your own thing. Don't meticulously study all the patter and everything take the core concept and make it your own thats when magic becomes really fun.

I would say that could be dangerous advice. Yes, adding your own imagination and creativity to magic is the ultimate goal, but don't run before you can walk. Royal Road is a great foundation, and all the sleights and effects teach important lessons. Skipping the details in order to rush out and perform immediately, when you're at an early stage of your magic life, may leave gaping holes in your understanding, which will mean you are without some fundamental building blocks when you are ready to start creating moves, tricks, and routines for yourself. Also, with an incomplete grasp of the purpose of each patter line and subtle movement described in the book, you may find your performances lack crucial elements which lessen the effect and therefore lead to demoralisation.

 

[Shyatt]

Thanks for the replies.

TeeDee:
I will take your advice and start to record some of my performances so that I can watch them back and see where I may be flashing. However, when recording my performances it feel unnatural to talk as there is no one to talk to, and this makes the whole recording very awkward to watch.

Haunter:
When I get the time I will record my performance and post a link so that people can give feedback. Thanks for the tip.