Questions like "Where did you learn that?" or "How long have you been doing this?" are very different than "How did you do that?" The former questions are expressed sincerely with a sense of admiration. In other words, it's an implied compliment.

I've always thought such compliments deserved a sincere answer (even if it's not entirely true!). This is a tremendous opportunity to let my spectators get to know me on a more personal/human level and for me to get to know them a little better as well. So, I leave the glib comments in the bag and give them a serious answer.

Once they've gotten to know me as a person (and hopefully they like what they see) they are on my side. They want to see me succeed. They may tell their friends about me. And they may keep coming back to the restaurant week after week. Once that happens, I know I've done my job.

Kent

I tell some, this happens everytime I do a trick. (lift my cap and show a bald head)Ya lose one each time. Then laugh. Depending on the people, reactions can very, mostly it's, "If you liked that...check this out, then go into something else.
This is something you must PLAN ON happening and work out different ways to handle it. I never say it is real magic, because it is not, but if they precieve it as real, then you've learned the effect and presentation well.
Magically,
Joseph

Normally I say that I didn't have a life in high school, it gets a laugh and it's true...i really didn't.

Shaun Robinson
My performance elevates the art of magic, and my silly answers make people laugh. You seem to have entertainment confused with education.
Al Angello

I like to say I was the owner of a Magic Shop.

One time I said I own a magic shop and they said "oh I would like to stop by"
then I say No "I WAS the owner of a magic shop.



Maro

I sit watching magic videos over and over again in super slow motion and pause it every second to figure out the secerts or somthing like that

Rob

When they ask me about my sleight of hand magic I say "I learn it from books and other Magicians" when they ask about my mind reading, and PK stuff I say many years and years of meditation, concentration, and a god given gift, because I want some of my magic to be playful "how did he do that" effects, and I want certain effects in which I play off as real magic because I want to be respected as a performer and I want them to think I am a magician and not just some guy who plays a magician.