I have been a card magician for half a year and I would love to give some advice to other new magicians and how you can go up to random people and perform
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Want advice on how to talk to people to perform
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I usually introduce myself, tell them I am a performer and ask if they would like to see something cool. The first trick you do should be visual so it gets their attention. This way they are surprised and it catches them off guard!
Or, you can do some cool moves like springs or fans with the cards and people will naturally watch you. Then you can say "Hey did you guys wanna see something?"
its actually a lot easier than you think.!
Or, you can do some cool moves like springs or fans with the cards and people will naturally watch you. Then you can say "Hey did you guys wanna see something?"
its actually a lot easier than you think.!
I've been trying to look into this too. What if you approach someone with 'can I share something with you?'
I figure it would imply more of an experience than a display of skill.
Could that work?
I figure it would imply more of an experience than a display of skill.
Could that work?
I think a costume, hat of something, showing you are an entertainer, clown, or something, might help. In today's world it can be down right dangerous to approach people. Part of the consideration is where you are and what types of people are around. Also, having someone filming you would maybe help them understand you are an entertainer.
For example, if Piff walks up to you and wants to show you a magic trick, you either run away very quickly, or know he is a magician.
The key to a successful approach is confidence. True story.
I like to approach people holding my deck of cards or whatever it may be before I initiate the interaction. This subtly implies what you are about to do.
Confidence and the power of positive thinking can do wonders for you, both in magic and in life.
I like to approach people holding my deck of cards or whatever it may be before I initiate the interaction. This subtly implies what you are about to do.
Confidence and the power of positive thinking can do wonders for you, both in magic and in life.
I'm not really into walking up to random people to show them magic for two reasons.
1) There are enough crazy people out there that the mere question of "can I show you something?" in any format comes across as awkward and uncomfortable. The only case it would seem to make sense would be to precursor the question with 'I am so and so a magician...'
2) Its not exactly the best way to 'improve' or know where your at performance-wise. This is just my opinion but unless your performing for a restaurant as a gig or an event where they have paid for you to be walk around it just seems like there are better options. You may be forcing people you don't know to just let you perform when they don't care to see it because they are otherwise occupied or because its just not the right time. If somewhere were to do that to me, which is not my favorite thing, I would awkwardly say no thank you and then feel bad for not letting you do something when I didn't want it.
You have only been doing magic as you have said for six months, depending on what you have been working on I would likely say there is more skill to hone first. Perform for friends and family. Its easy to ask them and they will be way more honest with you. If your in a situation where you are talking with people and the topic comes up that you practice magic then go for it.
Since we all have our likes and dislikes if performing for random people is where you want to go then the advice above is the way to go.
1) There are enough crazy people out there that the mere question of "can I show you something?" in any format comes across as awkward and uncomfortable. The only case it would seem to make sense would be to precursor the question with 'I am so and so a magician...'
2) Its not exactly the best way to 'improve' or know where your at performance-wise. This is just my opinion but unless your performing for a restaurant as a gig or an event where they have paid for you to be walk around it just seems like there are better options. You may be forcing people you don't know to just let you perform when they don't care to see it because they are otherwise occupied or because its just not the right time. If somewhere were to do that to me, which is not my favorite thing, I would awkwardly say no thank you and then feel bad for not letting you do something when I didn't want it.
You have only been doing magic as you have said for six months, depending on what you have been working on I would likely say there is more skill to hone first. Perform for friends and family. Its easy to ask them and they will be way more honest with you. If your in a situation where you are talking with people and the topic comes up that you practice magic then go for it.
Since we all have our likes and dislikes if performing for random people is where you want to go then the advice above is the way to go.
That is not true. There are so many close friends and family members that will tell you that your trick is great, and "that's amazing" when you did it so badly they know how you did it. That is how family and close friends work.
That's true. Unless you ask for their honest feedback. I have a couple of friends that I always show new tricks to first to get feedback, and I ask for their sincere opinions. Of course, practising in front of magician friends to get pointers and feedback is always a good way to improve.
I'm gonna second dominions on this. I expect my family and friends to be honest. In some cases that may mean telling them to be completely honest. But that is definitely not how family and friends work. It can happen sure, so if that's the case then say to be honest I need to know where I am at.
It really depends on the situation.
When approaching strangers in public (street, coffee shop, bar, etc), start with a simple hello, how are you? If they are receptive to small talk, ask them if you can show them something. If they say no, let them go about their business. If they say yes, show them one or two effects and move on to the next spectator/s or continue a conversation without performing. Remember the saying "Always leave them wanting more".
If you are in a social setting (party, event, etc.) bait people into asking you to see something. This is an idea from Eric Mead's The Tangled Web, and in my experience nearly always works. Engage in small talk with someone and ask someone what they do for a living. Inevitably they will ask what you do. Tell them you are a magician. Almost always they will ask to see something (this is ideal because then it seems more organic). If they don't, ask to show them something. Be respectful if they say no.
Approaching strangers is a great way to hone your chops, work on timing and misdirection, and build confidence. Narrow it down to a 2 or 3 effects and hit up as many strangers as possible. If you went to a busy place you could easily get a hundred plus 5-10 minute performances in a week.
When you start performing for strangers nerves will be a factor. Know the tricks well enough that the sleights are second nature.
I agree with Mr. Obrien, make your first trick as visual as possible. You'll have them hook line and sinker.
Flourishes are also a great way to draw attention to you.
Have a buddy film you as you go along. Go back and watch your performances. Cameras don't fall for misdirection. You'll quickly see the areas you need to work on. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll progress, and the amount of confidence you can build by just getting out there and performing.
When approaching strangers in public (street, coffee shop, bar, etc), start with a simple hello, how are you? If they are receptive to small talk, ask them if you can show them something. If they say no, let them go about their business. If they say yes, show them one or two effects and move on to the next spectator/s or continue a conversation without performing. Remember the saying "Always leave them wanting more".
If you are in a social setting (party, event, etc.) bait people into asking you to see something. This is an idea from Eric Mead's The Tangled Web, and in my experience nearly always works. Engage in small talk with someone and ask someone what they do for a living. Inevitably they will ask what you do. Tell them you are a magician. Almost always they will ask to see something (this is ideal because then it seems more organic). If they don't, ask to show them something. Be respectful if they say no.
Approaching strangers is a great way to hone your chops, work on timing and misdirection, and build confidence. Narrow it down to a 2 or 3 effects and hit up as many strangers as possible. If you went to a busy place you could easily get a hundred plus 5-10 minute performances in a week.
When you start performing for strangers nerves will be a factor. Know the tricks well enough that the sleights are second nature.
I agree with Mr. Obrien, make your first trick as visual as possible. You'll have them hook line and sinker.
Flourishes are also a great way to draw attention to you.
Have a buddy film you as you go along. Go back and watch your performances. Cameras don't fall for misdirection. You'll quickly see the areas you need to work on. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll progress, and the amount of confidence you can build by just getting out there and performing.