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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21245 Posts |
Now let me change my opinion.
As for exit strategy till I read he did that it was exactly what I said. Now I must disagree only on principal. The principal that even though I know I feel your right, what the heck I should try to disagree anyhow. Posted: Oct 28, 2006 6:26pm I mean in the spirit of trying to keep up the childish bickering and all it seems to be the easiest way to accomplish it even though I feel he is right. (Mind you I say for ME he is right, not for everyone)
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Graydini New user 20 Posts |
Hi everyone, I'm relatively new to table hoping (I’ve been at it for about 10 weeks now). Initially I would go up to a table after they ordered and before their main course arrived, and say something to the effect of ‘good evening my name is Grayden and I’m the magician here, would you folks like to see some entertainment tonight, while your waiting for your food?’ It worked some times other times I got ‘no thank you’. However now I started using the line from David Williamson’s ‘slight of Dave’. It goes like this, I wander around the table for a moment like I’m lost and then look at someone and say “excuse me, I’m the wandering magician, I was wandering if you’d like to see some magic tricks”. This is getting much better results and at the very least it’s entertaining in and of it’s self, everyone I’ve done it too at least chuckles. One lady was ready to tip me just after that line. Anyway just wanted to give my testimonial for that approach, try it and see if you like it.
I like Tim’s approach with the rubber bands too, I’ll try that next. God Bless all, -Grayden |
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dduane Special user Bridgewater, MA 784 Posts |
Hi Grayden,
I use those 2 approaches also. Another good one is to use one of the many bill switches. I've had better luck with that. I might use the Juan Hundred DBS -- with the bills in hand, just start right in saying, "Would you like to see how a magician makes his money?" - then go right into the routine. I've never been refused with that approach. They almost always say something like, "Hey, can you do that with my bills?" That's a chance to go into another bill routine -- and you're 'in'. Duane |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21245 Posts |
I am not saying the approach is good or bad. BUT if you have never been refused with any approach, you havn't been working very long. Eventually you get refused, get used to it.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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DoctorAmazo Special user Florida 643 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-09-02 22:11, zak plumb wrote: How about: I'm the wandering magician and right now I'm "wandering" if you'd like to see some magic!" 1. You start with a bad pun. 2. I don't like to use the word "tricks". I always refer to what I do as "magic". 3. Also I think "wandering magician" and "wandering...magic" flows better. |
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Adam1975 Special user UK 900 Posts |
I never ask them if they want to see some magic because your giving them the chance to say no....The rare people who refuse you think your going to make fun of them or charge them money,although I accept that not everybody loves magic like we do.I have had 17 years table hopping,and my experience is that 99.9% are enthusiastic,and keen to watch.Of course,you have to quickly establish that your worth watching,but that's another issue.............
What you say depends on many factors,all I ever say is the truth,in a few lines,something like this, "Hi,not sure if your aware,but such and such has hired a magician to come round and show you some magic,you like magic?" Without even pausing to hear an answer,I follow up with"of course you do....and don't worry,its free,I can see you looking a little nervous about that"...This gets a laugh. I then launch straight into the first trick. This approach,while bold has served me very well over the years.I deliver it,slight(sleight?) tongue in cheek,with confidence. I think the main thing is to be confident and don't appear hesitant or nervous,this is fatal.Unfortunatly,this only comes with experience,which is something you don't get till after you need it............... I personally couldn't use the "has anyone dropped this knife/band etc" approach,because in my view you might come across as a bit odd,people thinking who is this guy...with my line you establish straight away that your there because you have been invited,that they don't have to part with cash to see you,(im assuming its a paid gig)and that your going to be doing magic for them.So everythings clear,they wont now think your just some random guy wandering up to em (even though,ultimately,you are.) Not saying this is the only way to go,there are many approaches,but this works for me.
Ive upped my standards.Now,up yours!
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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
Here are a few approaches I use every night. The work wonderfully for me, but maybe not for you. I believe an opening is all in the delivery. I really despise the "Did you lose a black knife" approach. But hey, whatever works for you.
If there is a young child, 5-10 at the table, I will just walk up and start talking to them like an adult. Hey, how are you, good to see you, how's work? The wife OK? I bet she drives you nuts doesn't she. Any big plans for the weekend? Golfing, working on the house, roadtrip? These are delivered fairly quickly, the kid starts giggling and if they're happy, the parents are happy. If it's all adults, the opening goes something like this... Good evening, how are you? "Fine." (Blank stare.) I'm also well, thank you for asking. (They didn't ask.) Your name is? Hi Rebecca, and Tom, hello, Bob, welcome. If they look a bit confused as to why this big guy is bothering them, I reassure them, "It's OK Tom, I work here." I'm the entertainment here, aren't you excited, you look thrilled. I'm the magician, doesn't that sound like fun? Say yes. Good, OK....(and I'm off into a trick.) Of course if when I ask how they are, if they respond with how are you, my normal comeback is "I'm fantastic thank you. No one ever really cares how I am, what a sweetheart." And then off with introductions. I like the introductions at first and calling them by name as you perform. It develops a report with them. Also, by just talking to them at first without announcing you are the magician, you may find out that something is wrong and they aren't really in the mood for magic. If this is the case, I just talk to them for a few minutes and notify management if there is a real issue here. Of course, if I am hired for a cocktail party or corporate event, they know I am supposed to be there, so this goes a lot quicker and more smoothly. Again, I believe an opening line is something that should be tailored for every performer. This is just what has worked for me for 7 years, 3 nights a week. |
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DJBrenton Regular user Midlands, England 129 Posts |
Hi all
first post but I couldn't help chipping in with something no-one seems to have mentioned. Whilst anyone working tables gets knocked back from time to time 'eugh, I hate magic' etc. If you work reasonably busy restaurants you can sort of pick and choose which tables you go to. Whilst at a table I sneak glances at the nearby tables and invariably spot someone looking curious. How easy is then to approach them next with something along the lines of 'Ok I saw you peeking, I'm not going to leave you out'and follow with your usual intro. I do feel I get knocked back less often than most with this approach. On exit, I always add 'I'll try and show you something new on your next visit' (assumptive, and also promoting return visits) As regards getting staff to work with you in new bookings. I might need my flameproof suit on for this one, but when offered tips, I thank the diner and say that I'm not really working, just having paid fun, so maybe, if they don't mind, they could tip their waitress more than they'd intended. Controversial I know. But I get paid plenty for what I do and trust me, when table staff see their tips go up ( which they tell me they do) you have them offering you out to tables all night. You're then in a position with a stack of tables waiting for you, in which case, they know who I am when I get there and I open with 'sorry I'm late, we seem to have a lot of magic fans in tonight' |
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Adam1975 Special user UK 900 Posts |
IMO a lot of people don't like or want to see magic because they have seen the "duffers" who infest our great art....in other words people inflicting there boring,under rehearsed,embarrasing rubbish on people,and they "assume" that that's what all magic is about......anyone who has seen good magicians are keen to see more in my experience! Now before people say,I know very well that some people just don't like magic,period.I think it was Michael Close who said words to the effect that life is to short to try and convert people,just move on to more enthusiastic punters! I agree with that 100%.
Anyone who performs regular knows the drill,the remarks people always make...How long you been doing magic.....Can you turn that note into a fifty....We saw this magician once he was ace he did such and such trick...... These types of people,almost without exception,are the kind of audience you want because there naturally interested and keen. And there the types who want to buy you a beer after! So some simplistic advice.Be good,be entertaining,and they will love you!
Ive upped my standards.Now,up yours!
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DJBrenton Regular user Midlands, England 129 Posts |
You've just hit a nail on the head. I hate calling myself a magician. I'm not, I'm an entertainer, using magic to entertain. I suspect it's not always the duffers who turn people off. It's those who have the effects down pat and simply prove how clever they are to the audience. The first rule, as far as I'm concerned, is 'BE LIKEABLE'. It amazes me how many magicians I see who don't get this.
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Bad to the Balloon Inner circle Clearwater Florida 2116 Posts |
"Good morning Or Evening .... Everything good here?"
If it isn't I alert someone who can, or if it is something I can take care of I do. (Continuing) "My name is Mark I am the Balloon Guy!! Did anyone want a balloon hat over here?" Kids at the table will usually respond. "I was talking to the adults... Is that okay mom & dad?" If it is a NO .... depending on the attitude of the adults. Good attitude continue with: "How about a magic trick instead ... do you have a 30 seconds?" If yes I do Nuts & bolts or Ninja rings or My Bunny Daryl When I hit a table it is after the menus are picked up, or just after the meal. I also do the family tables first in finished to ordering sequence. My criteria is number one is Styrofoam, then Desert, then Steak, then Salad, then Drink, then Menu if they have been sitting a while.
Mark Byrne
AKA Mark the Balloon Guy As seen on the TODAY SHOW www.balloonguy.net Creator of Bad to the Balloon DVD series Go to my store: http://tinyurl.com/Bad2theBalloon |
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puggo Inner circle 2022 Posts |
DJBrenton said:
"I'm an entertainer, using magic to entertain" ..."The first rule, as far as I'm concerned, is 'BE LIKEABLE'" I totally agree. Jeff Hobson (in Jeff Hobson 'Live')makes this point so well. He does great, polished magic, but foremost he entertains in his own unique way. There is some excellent advice and shared experience here. Thanks to all (i'll dodge all the heated debates!) |
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montymagi Special user Slidell La 752 Posts |
I have to echo that as well. Be likeable. I do a simple intro like the rest and I do ask if they would like to pass some time having fun before the meal comes. The one thing I will mention that I have not seen yet. Mention the name of the place that Hired you. "Hi, welcome to TGIFridays I'm monty and I have been hired to entertain you tonight. Would you like to pass the time and have some fun before your meal comes?" And on exit, thanks for coming to TGIFridays enjoy your meal. The manager will love you for it.
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