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Whitewolfny
Loyal user
216 Posts
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Posted: Aug 22, 2010 3:03pm
I remember being badgered only once by a couple of teens when I was in my late teens. They wanted to know how I did the tricks so they could then go run to their girl friends to impress them with their knowledge. Although they pushed the subject of how I did the tricks, I just told them I'm sorry, I can't reveal how the tricks are done.
Most of the time, someone says to me, "How did you do that?" because what else can they say to seeing something magical happen right in front of them. If you are truly amazed at what you just saw, you're not likely to say, "That was nice," or "Cute trick." To me that means I didn't perform it well enough to impress, amaze, astound, or shock them. I take the question, "How'd you do that," to mean they were entertained and for a brief instant in back of their mind a voice told them they had just witnessed magic. So when they ask, my reply is usually something like, "Did you like that?" or "Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed that." They really don't want to know and we know if they learned how it worked, they'd lose interest in the art of magic completely.
I use my wife as a sounding board on some tricks. I recently performed NU-wave Reloaded by Alain Nu for her and her sister. My wife later told me it was a nice trick and proceeded to tell me how she thought it worked. She nearly nailed it exactly, so there was little magic there for her. However on another occasion, I did a variation of Columbni (sic?) Jumbo Coincidence for her and her reaction was, "HOW THE F***** DID YOU DO THAT??" That's how I know it's a great trick. But she still wasn't really interested in how I did the trick, it was just her reaction not knowing what else to say.
Braxton Mannar
Just an old dog trying to learn new tricks 
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bhavz95
New user
2 Posts
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Posted: Sep 1, 2010 10:30pm
There is a really funny site
http://www.mallusionist.com
they have false explanations of so many tricks that pepole perform, so you can get some explanations off of there and say those.
for example: if you are doing a floating dollar. you say, " well I get a straw and I cut it so its an inch, then I put it in my mouth. I crumple up the dollar and I blow air through the straw so it hits precisely at the center, pushing air upward lifting the bill. I've trained myself to do it without a straw"
something as ridiculous as that always works
-bhavz95
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daffydoug
Eternal Order
Daff could give a rats butt that he has
11376 Posts
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Posted: Sep 3, 2010 6:31pm
Quote:
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On 2008-04-11 00:57, edlandau wrote:
I used to be really bad... girlfriends... family... etc. all used to want to know how tricks are done. I was soft.
Then I met a magician. I knew that if I was going to learn any more tricks, I was going to have to learn how to keep my mouth shut.
I find it hard to do so without offending my best friends... family etc. My excuse: I want this magician I met to respect me (so maybe he can teach me)... and that seems to work. But it is hard.
Any suggestions on other techniques to get out of it?
-Ed
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I usually tell them I'm sworn to secrecy, (Which I am) and I also explain to them very FRANKLY the truth that if they knew the secret they would be dissapointed and the magic and the wonder would be lost.
I mean it. I am really honest with people about that.
After all, I'm a magician, so I'm supposed to be honest right? 
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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volto
Special user
603 Posts
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Posted: Sep 14, 2010 3:50am
"How did you do that?"
-
"All of my magic is powered by a cunning device that consumes stupid questions and produces lies."
"Really?"
"Yes.".
- I could tell you, but I'd have to turn you into a rabbit and produce you from a hat at birthday parties. It's the law.
- (For vanishes and productions) I put it into/pulled it out of "the place between"
( http://www.amazon.com/dp/076364546X/ )
- I took a ball, and a cup, and every day, for thirty years, I practiced putting the ball under the cup and taking it out again. Then one day, I realized how utterly pointless it all was, and decided to do it with magic instead.
- As a great man once said, "It's all a lot of simple tricks and nonsense." Of course, he also shared a bunk with a wookie, so he may be wrong.
- The truth? Psychology, physics and practice.
- This cool guy in a mask showed me how. He's on Fox. Check him out.
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KMFrye
New user
75 Posts
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Posted: Oct 27, 2010 8:52pm
I just tell them "It was an illusion. And you'd be disappointed if I spoilt it for you..."
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RC4MAG
Special user
529 Posts
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Posted: Nov 4, 2010 10:24am
There is a very funny episode of "Curb Your Enthusiasum" where a kid does a card trick for Larry David. He asks the kid how he did the trick. The kid says "I can't tell you, magicians don't reveal the tricks". Larry says, "Your not a magician, what, you know one trick, that makes you a magician?"....etc..
He keeps pressing all episode and the kid won't tell him.
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chada13
New user
74 Posts
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Posted: Nov 9, 2010 11:04pm
Two that I use:
1. I ask them if they can keep a secret. They always say, "yes". I reply, "Well so can I". Always gets a good chuckle then I move on.
2. I like to do transpo's or other effects in their hands. I make it seem like they did the magic. "you were the last one to have the cards (or coins, etc). So, I was hoping that you could tell me how you did it."
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Jeff Taub
New user
19 Posts
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Posted: Nov 16, 2010 11:21am
I've told them to read the latest Harry Potter book for the secret.
Jeff
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mago.niko
Loyal user
Athens, Greece
250 Posts
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Posted: Nov 16, 2010 5:31pm
If I tell you, then I'll have to kill you works fine for me..
From my little experience I believe that the way you will refuse is more important than the answer.. I always try to be gentle and humorous.
Searching for the magic side of life...
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Bobert
New user
Stephenville TX
86 Posts
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Posted: Nov 24, 2010 11:42pm
I do something familiar to Chada 13. I'll use a trick with a lot of audience participation and then just reply. "I love a trick in which I don't do anything."
and if someone does ask how did that work...I'll tell them I don't know...works good with my character.
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jem368
New user
16 Posts
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Posted: Dec 25, 2010 5:52pm
Quote:
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On 2010-11-16 11:21, Jeff Taub wrote:
I've told them to read the latest Harry Potter book for the secret.
Jeff
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Perhaps you should refer them to the stage magic of A Very Potter Musical (a theatre musical based on the Harry Potter books which has absolutely no magic in it).
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kal
Regular user
111 Posts
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Posted: Feb 23, 2011 5:40pm
"How did you do that?"
"Exactly as I planned".
I'm always honest about when I'm lying. And I'm always lying...
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MasterGracey
New user
Malibu, CA / Winter Haven, FL
7 Posts
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Posted: Mar 20, 2011 1:22am
Quote:
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On 2010-09-01 22:30, bhavz95 wrote:
There is a really funny site
http://www.mallusionist.com
they have false explanations of so many tricks that pepole perform, so you can get some explanations off of there and say those.
for example: if you are doing a floating dollar. you say, " well I get a straw and I cut it so its an inch, then I put it in my mouth. I crumple up the dollar and I blow air through the straw so it hits precisely at the center, pushing air upward lifting the bill. I've trained myself to do it without a straw"
something as ridiculous as that always works
-bhavz95
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This site is hilarious! Thanks for sharing. Some of those "explanations" will come in handy!
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rsylvester
Loyal user
Trying to learn to BP a duck in
266 Posts
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Posted: Mar 20, 2011 1:52pm
Quote:
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On 2008-06-14 16:16, Veneficus Cruor wrote:
How'd you do that?
1. Im a genetic freak.
2. Through years of tedious practice and self-denial
3. Camera Tricks ( only if your showing in live )
4. Pure luck.
hope these helped =D
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LOL: No. 2 just cracked me up.
Some really great responses by everyone on this.
I also wanted to share an experience the other night that really surprised me. I did a show at my church, and the teenagers surprisingly were the ones most excited. Usually they are, like, you know, bored with everything, like. But they really enjoyed it.
Two teen girls were talking and one said, "I think I caught how you did the one with the cane (color-changing)."
"How?" her friend responded.
"Magicians don't tell how they do their tricks, and I don't think I should either."
I smiled, never found out if she knew the "real" secret, but I wanted to hug her.
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jerome96114
New user
70 Posts
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Posted: Mar 24, 2011 8:13am
Quote:
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On 2008-07-13 15:09, Sir Richard wrote:
" I had to sell my soul to the devil to make that work. I'm sure he'll do the same for you; want me to give him a call?"
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You should not use this one when you just did some Gospel-Magic, should you ?
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djurmann
Inner circle
1276 Posts
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Posted: Mar 24, 2011 6:00pm
Me? I thought YOU did it!
- Ignorant but seeking.
- "All done by kindness."
- Fellowship across differnces
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Mike Maturen
Inner circle
building a horse pen and needs
2143 Posts
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Posted: Mar 30, 2011 9:06am
Quote:
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On 2008-04-13 15:22, Justin Style wrote:
I always say, "okay, take off your clothes and I'll tell you." Most people end it right there. And the ones who did take off their clothes now know the value of keeping a secret...
I am not making this up.
Try it.
Let me know what happens.
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I'd be careful with THAT one! With my luck, the only people that would take off their clothes would be the ones that I WOULD NEVER WANT TO SEE NAKED!
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment
The Magic of Mike Maturen
989-335-1661
mikematuren@gmail.com
AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life"
member: Fellowship of Christian Magicians, KIDabra International
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ViolinKing
Loyal user
a regular user has no more than
221 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2011 2:12pm
Quote:
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On 2008-04-23 14:07, Hearttau wrote:
Here's another one. " If I tell you, there will be a little less magic and wonder in your life. Do you really want to know?" So far, its always worked for me. Of course, there's always the old standby: " I could tell you, but then you'll disappear." The kids back off with that one. 
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Thanks for the tip! Sometimes you just need humor, because they don't really want to know, they just don't know what else to say.
I believe I have a special insight, because what I do, nobody has mentioned yet.
I simply tell them.
The context here is that I am performing magic for my family and friends, and they know that I am practicing to perform for strangers. Therefore, I don't mind telling them. I want to think, in my head, as I perform, "Anyone can do this," because not only does that humble you, and make you easier to like, it also reinforces the notion that you won't fail.
Quote:
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On 2008-06-14 00:28, gdw wrote:
If I told you, then I couldn't feel special that I can and you can't.
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I feel like if they ask me how I did it, then I need to change the way I perform the trick. And simply showing how it is done humbles me for the next time. (And I have tons of tricks.)
The more humble I am, the more like-able. The more like-able I am, the less the audience focuses on being fooled. (Internally humble, not externally.)
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MitchellMac
Loyal user
210 Posts
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Posted: Jun 7, 2011 3:05pm
Heres an idea
"How did you do that"
"Ok I'll tell you, listen carefully because I'm only going to tell you once"
"Ok"
"Benji"
"What??"
"Well it's too late, I'm not going to tell you again"
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Mr Timothy Gray
Regular user
Glasgow, Scotland
172 Posts
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Posted: Jun 20, 2011 2:00pm
Francis Urquhart in the mini-series HOUSE OF CARDS had that wonderful saying, "You might very well think that -- I couldn't possibly comment."
I have a habit of convoluting the issue -- explanations offered by the audience are frequently off the mark, and it's fun to agree with them, and then offer an equally bizarre factor to the equation. Often times this leaves them just as confused, but, equally, feeling that they might be in on trick, which couldn't be further from the truth.
Mr Timothy Gray
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Rectify
New user
52 Posts
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Posted: Jun 23, 2011 8:53pm
Just don't hold it over their head that you know it and they don't. It takes away the fun and also image of magic when you reveal effects.
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Mr Timothy Gray
Regular user
Glasgow, Scotland
172 Posts
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Posted: Jun 24, 2011 1:31pm
David Berglas, in response to people asking how he did his Floating Table, would often say, "That's a very good idea. I might have to try that next time." I think that's a wonderful response.
Mr Timothy Gray
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syshacker
New user
4 Posts
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Posted: Jul 7, 2011 3:57pm
Quote:
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On 2010-09-01 22:30, bhavz95 wrote:
There is a really funny site
http://www.mallusionist.com
they have false explanations of so many tricks that pepole perform, so you can get some explanations off of there and say those.
for example: if you are doing a floating dollar. you say, " well I get a straw and I cut it so its an inch, then I put it in my mouth. I crumple up the dollar and I blow air through the straw so it hits precisely at the center, pushing air upward lifting the bill. I've trained myself to do it without a straw"
something as ridiculous as that always works
-bhavz95
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Unbelievable read. I think doing it in a humorous way is always the way to go.
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EldonFowler
Regular user
110 Posts
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Posted: Jul 19, 2011 4:50pm
Reply with:
A guy said to me"How did you do that?"
I said "If I tell you, I'd have to kill you"
The guy said "Ok then....Tell my wife"
But do not use this joke with a guy when his wife is there!
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Howie Diddot
Inner circle
The Bay Area of California
2485 Posts
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Posted: Jul 23, 2011 7:16pm
Quote:
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On 2008-04-29 10:49, Justin Style wrote:
Quote:
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On 2008-04-26 10:38, Loopback wrote:
I recently joined up with the IBM and now I just tell them I cant or the magic mafia will come after me for breaking the oath.
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Ay, yo! Come on, there's no such thing as the Mafia
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yo! Come on, There's no such thing as Magic
The children's magic party and magic class, where
Howie Didit performs the tricks and then teaches the kids "Howie Didit".
Ventriloquist & Children’s Magician. My lips are not moving and there are all kinds of tricks up my sleeves
Sponsored by http://www.nexusmagicstore.com the Professional Magician’s choice
The west coast dealer for Jeff Jones's Magic backdrops
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mtb
New user
South Africa
61 Posts
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Posted: Jul 24, 2011 4:19am
Quote:
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On 2011-07-23 19:16, Howie Diddot wrote:
Quote:
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On 2008-04-29 10:49, Justin Style wrote:
Quote:
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On 2008-04-26 10:38, Loopback wrote:
I recently joined up with the IBM and now I just tell them I cant or the magic mafia will come after me for breaking the oath.
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Ay, yo! Come on, there's no such thing as the Mafia
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yo! Come on, There's no such thing as Magic
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The magical mafia are sort of now you see them, now you don't. And they are always in the other hand.
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Magic Rik
Loyal user
Eastern Canada
251 Posts
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Posted: Jan 14, 2012 9:29pm
It was 1980, I was a public school teacher and in our small town we had just started to use micro computers in the elementary school. I had been asked to drive about two hours to a neighbouring town and do a demonstration to their teachers. It was all pretty new then and I was pretty green at it.
About three quarters of the way through, I was trying to explain CPUs and RAMs and disc drives and there was a a pause. A bit of a know-it-all in the second row says out loud, so everyone could hear, "Yes, but how does it really do that? Where does it happen?" Referring to the electronics of it, the bits and bytes etc. The computer company from the big city who was sponsoring the demo had sent along a friend of mine, a geek who worked for them, but who also knew educators. He was very quietly sitting in row four. There was a longer pause because I did not know how to answer.
In a stage whisper Chris said, "Its all done in the PFM box."
The questioner turned around, looked directly at Chris and asked. "PFM box, what's that stand for?"
By now you could hear a pin drop.
Chris's soft, clear, reply was, "Pure, (little pause), Magic.
"So - "How did I do it?" - "Its all done in the PFM box"
Magic Rik
Life itself is magic - I just want to help a bit!
https://www.facebook.com/Magic.by.Rik
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dpalacios
New user
2 Posts
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Posted: Feb 1, 2012 10:10pm
I tell them " you are so lucky to still have that feeling , and that I wish I did to. I miss the feeling of not knowing how the magic is done. your so lucky!!
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pcb52
New user
9 Posts
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Posted: Feb 3, 2012 2:03pm
I just look at them smile and say secret!!
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MaxfieldsMagic
Inner circle
Instead of practicing, I made
1973 Posts
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Posted: Feb 14, 2012 10:34pm
Paraphrased from the Big Bang Theory (Episode: The Prestidigitation Approximation):
"How'd you do that?"
"Hey, not knowing is part of the fun! Or, at least, that was the motto at my community college."
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
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