How many of us really know what the people see when they are sitting down? This is hard to do with mirrors and the like the best way is to have a friend come a watch you. I did this last night and I went home feeling really bad he said I flashed a lot. NOT GOOD but I never noticed that. The thing he told me was to bend over more and perform lower than their eyes. Then the funny thing the routine I thought I flashed the most at he said he did not see a thing! . I cal also recall seeing other restaurant performers and thinking wow he flashed a lot. So this is just something to think about and if you have any advice please post.

When I try something new I do it in front of my fiancee. I tell her to watch very close. She doesn't know what she is looking for, but if she sees it she is always good to point out what I messed up on. This has saved me a lot of trouble. She doesn't know magic, but she knows when I flash or mess up or whatever. She is good to give advice.

That works for me.

andy

I am an elementary school teacher and have found that without a doubt, the harshest critics are my elementary age students. They are brutally honest and will shout out their astute observations. Try performing for nieces, nephews, neighbors, etc. within that age group and you'll know in a jif if you are flashing....I've had more success (astonishing reactions) with high schoolers and adults.

Elementary school kids are my favorite to show my new stuff. They will definitely let you know if you flash.

Plus, you have to kind of bend at the waist to show them magic. Kind of like if you're at a table with adults sitting.

I even show 'em card tricks. Some people say that kids don't like cards. I have found the opposite to be true. As long as they are short and direct, which most table hopping magic is anyway, right?

Flourishe Dude:

Great point.Some people forget about that.They don't realize that people seated have a different point of view.We do need to tilt the cards just a little bit.

I like to check angles before I perform.As I approach a table,I check where will it be the most effective place to stand.

It is nice to weep at least a 30 degree angle from your hands and their eyes.

A nice way to increase the angle is by getting closer to them.

Mago Mai

When I'm doing table magic, I consciously brush my knuckles lightly on the table cloth every few seconds to remind me to keep my hands low.

Rob,
great idea, nice reminder. I think I will use that

There's also an opportunity to feign flashing a card only to really surprise them in the end. Let them think they've caught you. You've been keeping your hands so low that it's obvious. You can set up a trick of this sort if you put a hand on your back and stretch a bit. The audience will notice you're standing straight now and will be peeking so just be ready.