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Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
I am a fan of Don Alan, Ricky Jay,Albert Goshman, Juan, Bill Malone, Mac King, Penn and Teller, Eddie Fector, Del Ray and list goes on but not on for a long time. They all have one thing in common. At the end of the day the single thing that makes them all great is not the magic. I am willing to make the statement that anyone could learn to do any trick that they perform. The thing that they could not do is capture the personality. Personality is the key word in all of this. I hate it when someone says to me I saw a magician last night and I ask his name and they can't remember. I ask what did he do and they can't rememeber. People that see the names listed above could remember. I know that without a personality a bit of charm and class a person is behind the eight ball. I got up this morning and picked a DVD I had watched once before (THe performer will remain unknown as his name doesn't matter in this rant) The DVD was all about the props and not about him or the people he was performing for and it made me sad. He had good chops with no charm. Charm is a great word. Websters says it is the power of giving delight. The first time I ever saw it was Don ALan and I said that is what I want to do and what I want to be when I grow up. I am older now and want to be more like Chuck Smith. No actually I want to be who I am. I want to say thank you for reading and making comments.
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panlives Inner circle 2087 Posts |
Mr. Beck,
Thank you for these thoughts. How do you distinguish between natural charm and one’s chosen performing persona (character) and how might you counsel reconciling the two so the charm is genuine?
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time." "The dog did nothing in the night-time." "That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes. |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
You asked me a question that I am not certain I am smart enough to give an accurate answer. I read once that if you can fake sincerity you have it made. I don't think that is true. I think of the word class I can't define it but I know it when I see it. I think a person should be charming 24/7 and more so on stage or when performing for me I want to know more about other people than myself as I know to much about me as is it is. I don't feel like I am responding in any way that makes sense.
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panlives Inner circle 2087 Posts |
Actually, you are making all the sense in the world.
Your reply reminds me of a speech I recently heard by The Four Season's Hotel chain Founder, Isadore Sharp. He called it “The Golden Rule of Customer Service” and I think it applies in the context of this discussion. When he set out nearly fifty years ago to create the world's best luxury hotel chain, he asked himself: "How do you become the best? I figured it wouldn't mean through the architecture and décor, but through the quality of our service. I thought if we could make service so special and meet customer needs that would differentiate us. Even with the currents of change, throughout the history of our company, there has been a consistent thread—the commitment to service and to the employees who deliver the service product every day. [...] Those few moments of service delivery are a company’s make or break point, when reputation is either confirmed or denied. The cornerstone of our corporate culture, to treat all others—customers, employees, partners, suppliers—as we ourselves would want to be treated, is the Golden Rule of Four Seasons, but also, the Golden Rule of life. [...] By nurturing the full potential of every willing worker from top to bottom, I believe that the hospitality industry can tap a unique source of leadership and success for the 21stcentury. And by committing to these simple principles of service and care for the employee, companies across the spectrum have the ability to become true success stories." You can see, perhaps, why I highly recommend his newly released book for performers of every stripe.
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time." "The dog did nothing in the night-time." "That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes. |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
The chain is a cut above the Holiday Inn. Thanks for the tip but also for your very kind words.
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panlives Inner circle 2087 Posts |
My pleasure.
The book is here: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-Story......ep_dpt_1 The subtitle, “The Story of a Business Philosophy” is something that really does apply to any line of work. Another thing that stuck out from his speech was this line, “I hire people who love other people enough that they wake up in the morning and ask themselves, ‘How can I make my guests feel better?’” I think this credo came out in your reply to my rather long-winded question.
"Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?"
"To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time." "The dog did nothing in the night-time." "That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes. |
SlipperyPete Loyal user 218 Posts |
Its definitely hard to forget Bill Ma-Lone, Bill Ma-Lone's name
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Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Yes it is hard to forget his name or his magic. I even bet Harry whats his name doesn't forget it.
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Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
The question should be "does he remember me"?! since he told me that I was instrumental in starting him on his magic career. No?
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
Harry Lorayne 1926 - 2023 New York City 8558 Posts |
Seems as if I've started many into magic. For Bill, I'll accept the credit. There are a few for whom I guess I have to accept the blame!
[email]harrylorayne@earthlink.net[/email]
http://www.harrylorayne.com http://www.harryloraynemagic.com |
Norman Beck V.I.P. 106 Posts |
Harry,
Rather presumtuous of you when I didn't list a last name. I could have been talking about Harry Riser or one of who knows but No as usual you were correct. I think you are right you have to accept the blame for Bill . As we say in Texas "You done GOOD" Harry a question for you-What is the most difficult situation you have ever encountered when performing? |
T. Joseph O'Malley Inner circle Canada 1937 Posts |
In another thread, you mentioned the classic old book "How to Win Friends & Influence People". It's still a great book and anyone who follows the advice within will certainly develop some charm & likability.
tjo'
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