When one first starts to give cold readings, what is the best way to handle your nerves?

Start with very casual short bits that may not even seem like a reading. As you get a feel for the impact, you will gain confidence in the material and your abilities with it.



Good Luck,

_________________

Tom Cutts

Publisher, AM/PM

About Magic...Performing Magic

Ditto to Tom's advice. Start slow, kinda like dipping your toe into the pool before you dive in. It may also help to have a few stock things memorized that you can pull out if you draw a blank, things that apply to nearly everyone. Lee Earle markets a stock routine with loads of stuff on it. Once you feel more confident you can take some chances. You will learn to deal with the "misses". And if you really want to learn how to do cold readings, get a copy of Ian Rowland's fabulous book on the subject. Good luck!



BobTaxin

any good books on the subject?

As stated, Ian Rowlands book is the business. I agree though, very difficult to get started. I think it needs to be added to something surefire to build confidence first. Don't know what yet though.

Try Kenton's Completely Cold, it has received mixed reviews, but for me I have never received a greater response for the 40 bucks I spent, unless of course I count the night '82... oh, never mind, another time, another conversation on that one.

I'm glad to hear that. I went back and forth with buyer's remorse before even sending my check off for Completely Cold, rereading reviews and rethinking, etc. (I don't have much money to spend on magic.) But yesterday I finally placed my order. I'm looking forward to getting it and trying it out.

Matt

I think that Richard Webster's "Quick Readings with Numerology" might be useful to give you a simple reading system which you could use in social and entertainment situations to give you experience and something to fall back on if you should ever dry up.
That's my thoughts. I would be happy for any opinions from more experienced people, in fact anyone in this Forum, directly pro or con too.

Nod,

Nod,

Nod,

Nod your head whilst talking, It will not only make you more beliveable to the guest, but you yourself will feel more confident,

Fon

I had never thought of this before, but this weekend the guy at the local magic shop said he practiced on online chat rooms when first starting out.

This seems like a really good way to gain confidence. You have time to think between typing. You can even take/use notes to help. Also, physical nerves won't show.

He would usually start by trying to get the subjects location through alternate means and use that as an in.

Be careful you dont come across as a perv!!??

Fon

Know your subject well, real well, this might help with your nerves.

Randy, AIMC with Silver Star
AKA Major Conn