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Samuel Special user Norway 831 Posts |
Hi there, Mr. Osterlind.
Let me first say that I love Mind Mysteries, their great! What I wish to ask you, is this: How can I practice my audience managment techniques? When I do tricks for friends, family and the such, what can I do along with the trick, spesifically, to strenghten my audience managment technique? Do you have any tips on this? Thank you for taking time to answer this question, I really appreciate it! With respect, Samuel
Samuel
Magic is everywhere |
Richard Osterlind V.I.P. 2213 Posts |
Samuel,
First, thanks for the nice words about Mind Mysteries. Now, the question you ask isn't an easy one to answer. The problem is when you do material for friends and family it is much harder to practice those audience management techniques than when you work for strangers. A tip I have passed along before is to approach a couple of senor citizen centers (not nurcing homes but "centers' where senors come to gather for activities) and offer to do a show for free. They will take you up on that readily and they make a great audience. They have seen a lot and are not pushovers, but they are appreciative and cooperative. To this day I still offer my services to local groups like this just for the satisfaction. But it is a great way to practice new material and see how your audience handling techniques work. Now about the nitty gritty of managing audiences. You have to get into the habit of telling them what to do without sounding bossy. You are simply giving instructions and there is really no reason for anyone not to do what you ask. There are a couple of techniques that will get you into the feel of it. Give directions even when they are not really necessary. Like, for instance, when you bring someone up on stage you might say, "Please stand right there. Move up a bit so those folks over there can see you." Things like that. Things that don't mean anything, but get them used to you leading them. It also helps to joke with the audience and get them liking you. The more you can get them "on your side" the less you will have problems with uncooperative spectators. And finally, if you need them to do something specific, break it down into steps. Even the simplist action. For instance, if you want them to cut the deck in their hands you should tell them, "Ok, hold the deck in your hands. Reach over with your right hand and cut off about half. Now place them on the bottom of the deck." When you do that, they are far less likely to shuffle the cards or pull a group out of the center. Of course, once they cut them the right way you say, "Ok, that's good. Now cut them again. One more time." See? As you go along you can be less specific and they will know what you want. I hope that helps a bit. If not, let me know and I will try again! Richard |
Samuel Special user Norway 831 Posts |
Thank you very much, Mr. Osterlind.
This was actually exactly what I was looking for, right on the spot. It's almost as if you read my mind Poor joke, but it's true, so once again thank you!
Samuel
Magic is everywhere |
Brian Turntime Special user 671 Posts |
My first attempt at a BTCS card in pocket effect was with my wife's grandma. She cut the cards rather creatively, with many random spills. The stack was lost. So I veered into a fallback of a Dai Vernon trick-- using a double lift, with the "decoy" card on table, telling her to lay her hand on it so I can't see it or do any sleight of hand. She immediately picked it up and said that's not my card!
Family management is not easy either! Oh well, she liked the reality twister. Stared at the gaffed papermate pen I'd twisted for a full minute.
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Last night I stayed up late playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died. - Steven Wright |
Richard Osterlind V.I.P. 2213 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-07-15 19:32, Samuel wrote: I'm glad I could help! |
MagicbyCarlo Inner circle has squandered his time making 1062 Posts |
Richard, I just wanted to share that while at the SAM Convention in Boston, I used the BTCS to do Challenge Mind Reading. I have a little twist that I use that stunned the magicians that were watching. It's just a little something that I think puts the nail in coffin of magic thinkers. What a great effect. I also gave one of the dealers "the shivers" as she put it with the watch routine. Strong stuff.
Carlo DeBlasio
<BR>Entertainment specialist <BR>and all around fun guy! |
Richard Osterlind V.I.P. 2213 Posts |
Thank you very much Carlo. Although it has never been my goal, I can't help but smile when I think of my material fooling magicians!
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