When you approach a group...

[tokyoUW]

What do you say?

For me, when I am in a bar, and I want to approach a group of, lets say... some nice fun loving ladies and show them some magic, this is how I open... (keep in mind, this is all in Japanese)

First, I simply walk up to them with confidence written all over me ( I prefer white-board markers, cuz sharpie ink is hard to wash off .. HAHAHA my jokes are great), and I simply ask them, "Would you like to see some magic?"

From this point on, there are two ways this can go. They can either say, "No," or "Yes."

If they say "No," well, tough luck. But this is what I always do. If the group of girls say, "No," I tell them, "Too late." They usually look confused after this, but I make it clear by saying, "A Nice looking guy approached you ladies and attemped to start a conversation, which probably doesn' happen to you too often, and in that case, I guess this moment must have been pretty Magical for you." I then walk off as they cry and realize what a fantastic opportunity they just passed up.

If they say, "Yes please, show us some magic," I simply hold up a mirror and say, "look at your eyes!" I then say, "I saw your eyes from accross the way, and I thought they were very magical." Their hearts usually then proceed to melt softly into my hands which makes them easier to impress with my superior slight of hand techniques!


This is just how I approach an audience, how about you all ?

 

[jimbowmanjr]

I have long since given up the standard "Do you wanna see some magic?" or "Do you want to see a trick?".

I don't do walk around magic where this type of question, or something similar to it, would be appropriate in a restaurant or bar setting. One of the invaluable lessons I learned from Justin Miller was making magic a part of the conversation instead of making it THE conversation. Yes you want their attention on what you are doing but putting some storyline around it that is relative to what you were talking about or working it into the conversation to open the door to performing is what is important to me. Those who have Justin's effect "Second Print" will know exactly what I am talking about when it comes to great plots and easily fitting them into conversation. I have read a few cheeseball plots in my time that don't fit me at all, which is great because you get to personalize things and make it feel more authentic to both you and the spectator.

Early on I had issues with just walking up and basically "cold calling" potential spectators without any pretense of conversation or introduction. It gave me the shakes, made me nervous, and I didn't feel any connection to the spectators I was performing for as I am sure they felt very little connection. I think many would be surprised how effective a 2-3 minute conversation is in regards to calming yourself and creating a comfort level between you and the spectator.

I know guys who's line of work is "drive by" magic and that is what they are paid to do and entertain customers in restaurant's and bars or on stage. I am just more of a social performer at parties or a get together. It took me awhile to figure out how to get over my nerves and this was the cure.

All in all I don't approach a group of people and use magic as the ice breaker. An introduction and some short conversation is my ice breaker. I am a better social butterfly than I am a magician anyways =)

--Jim

 

[phrozunsun]

generally, i don't perform for randoms right away. I usually chat them up first completely not mentioning anything magic. Then if I see a conversational thread that will lead to a trick or something I steer the conversation into that direction.

When I do though, I'll just sort of command them. "give me your hand." "here, hold this". You have to find the right kind of people for this, and with practice you'll be able to pick them out. Their reactions are totally different and interesting because they weren't expecting anything at all, let alone being involved in a magic trick.

Never under any circumstances ask "Do you want to see a trick?". It almost makes it seem like you want to perform for them, there's a certain neediness there. It's best when performing is just natural and they've got an actual sense of curiousity about what is about to happen.

 

[VagueTheory]

When I approach people, I extend out my hand and shake their hand.

But usually, they are like, "Huh? What? Who are you?"

And I hate saying, "Oh I'm a magician, can I show you something?" But that's all that I can say, because that usually calms them down.

Last time I asked some kids, "Hey, you want to see something cool?", they thought I was a drug dealer...so...

 

[Dizzi]

I usually do some flourishes and walk around. if I'm bored, I'll ask someone 'may I please show you something?' but usually they come up to me.....

 

[Steerpike]

This is just how I approach an audience, how about you all ?

Modesty isn't your strongest virtue, is it?

I would never approach a group in such a manner. Never. It makes me look cheesy and salesman-y.

Let's assume I was in a bar or club. My approach would be to come up to the table and greet everybody as if I actually did own the place. Even before that, I would get myself a mild drink and wander around, clinking glasses with everybody who made eye contact with me.

On top of that, I'd make friends with the staff. Bartenders, DJs, bouncers, everybody.

It's more work, but it means that my openings are easier because everyone wants to know who I am, and in some cases the staff will introduce me to the other patrons. A little more time and effort invested in the beginning leads to greater rewards down the road.

 

[Mat La Vore]

I don't really go looking for people to play spectators for me when I'm out. I put some magic in my pockets and head out for some fun. When the opportunities come up (and they usually do) I'm ready for them, but if they don't, I'm still having fun with my friends and meeting people. I'm more interested in actually meeting people and getting to know them than I am looking for anyone I can find to play spectator for me.

The best way I think to approach people is just to approach them because you actually want to meet them, not because you're looking for them to be your clapping monkey.

 

[tokyoUW]

I guess the whole Joke part of the Original Post didnt get through very well... lol... my bad for writing it at like 4 am =/

 

[Johnlawl]

I say, "do you have some time to see a trick?"

 

[Bizzaro]

If you are working a venue or performing for tips NEVER give them the option to say yes or no. In a paying gig I will walk up to a group (Deck of cards in hand hidden) and ask if they have seen the magician wandering around. When they say no, I say "Good, pick a card"

If it's random people, the best way to start off is by introducing yourself and saying "Lemme show you something" and go into it or "Here look at this" and hand them a prop to look at.

 

[StreetMage]

I don't even ask. I usually introduce myself and ask if they can help me with something. Then I explain that I lost a large number of "these" recently, and on the word "these" I pull a coin from behind someone's ear. I then proceed to pull two more either out of thin air or out of other people's ears. Once I've demonstrated my skills and wowed them a little, then I ask if they'd like to see something else. I don't think anyone's ever turned me down from that intro.

 

[Sergey]

The best way is to say "Hi, my name is ____, and yours?" When they answer: "My name is ******" you say " How's it going *******? CAn I show you something?

I wouldn't mention that you are a magician or that you are going to perform a magic trick, that's my opinion

 

[darosa.justin]

I never say "Can I show you something?" (especailly in Hong Kong).

People will get the wrong message from "something".

As a small teenager, it's hard for me to perform in the street. I usually perform for people around school, whenever I feel like it. So theres not much of a need for an introduction.

If I was going for street magic, I have a deck of cards in my hand ready, and say "Would you like to see some magic?", then I go ahead and say "Ok, so whats your name?"....."Okay *****, reach in and take a card"....

Tehre you go.

 

[SHANE BLACK]

Alright here's the deal. Jay Sankey says never ask someone can I show you some magic, or would you like to see a trick. Why? They are simply not qualified to answer you. They are not capable of understanding what you can do or show them cause they don't know you. It's a bad start to initiating a conversation. Instead walk up and start a conversation on another subject then bring magic into it. Or simply walk up and pick a coin off the ground and say Oh sorry did you drop this and then vanish it. Pick up The real works on bar and restaurant magic. It will help with you questions.