I ask this question because mentalism presentations are one of my most favorite things to do at a party, especially with someone you have never met. I'm not experienced enough to perform professionally yet, so my friend's parties are a great atmosphere for practice. I do a routine where I guess a person's age. They can write the number on paper, their hand, etc. No gimmicked pen or paper, so it's a free choice. It kills. Just have to be careful. Never pick a guy you might want to have a drink with later, because he's going to look at you like you're a witch for the rest of the night. LOL
Peace,
Lorna

There is something uniquely sensual about a women who reads minds. It is far more intriguing and appealing then a man, who many see as a potential threat. I mean, it's creepy when a guy can read your mind, right? But for men, a women who can read their minds borders almost on fantasy. Use this in your presentations. Exploit the principle and see how strong it really can be.

I once spent a day performing with a lady who'd been an ingenue in English Rep Theatre. When opportunities dwindled with the coming of Television she moved to Australia and became a famous astrologer.

Her stage act, supposedly a lecture on astrology, was really a stand up comedy routine, explaining peoples character based on their star sign.

She finished with a display of mind reading prowess.

She'd invite the best looking guy in the audience onto the stage, examine his palm, and then slap his face.

'How dare you - I'm a Grandmother. Your suggestion was flattering, but wrong.'

The entire audience was in pain from laughing.

That's funny. I like it.

Lorna, what is the effect you described? Can I find it in a book anywhere?

Perhaps it's due to my young age, but I'm not taken very seriously when I perform mentalism.

The effects work well, "How you do that" etc. but no "serious" reactions.

I'm not sure it's because of my age, or because I'm a girl... :-(

Rebecca

Hi there... I present it as female intuition. My show is build around the premise of seeking mr. right, but looking right through them all.
Do not underestimate yourself, this is the stuff of miracles !

Can some share the resource (book, dvd, etc.) that explains this effect?

My experience tells me that youthful age, not gender, can be a limiting factor. On the other hand, after 35 years of marriage, my wife fully EXPECTS me to read her mind. And definitely, she can read MINE!

*jeep!
--Grandpa Chet

I like to do mentalism with numbers, such as the effect Mathemagic in Joshua Jay's Magic the Complete Course. I always get a "No Way!" and other astonished responses from it.

I have to agree with Big Daddy Cool, there is that allure when a woman "knows" what the man is thinking...

Now if the "hot" boy is giving you a weird look the rest of the night I pose this question: is that really a guy a woman would be interested in?

Obviously not, since this shows a sense of insecurity in the man if he is uncomfortable with a confident woman.

Lorna: I use a similar gambit with ages as well though I don't have them write anything down, but I tend to couple it with a quick cold reading, and a little self depricating humour to lighten the mood. I usually tell my audience(mostly working professionals because I'm a banker by profession with an INTJ personality type) is "i learned to be intuitive, growing up with only women forces that on a man, but it's been helpful. I mean it's helped me know who to date and what horses to bet on." The idea of sensativity/intuition is a concept that you could use if you feel that age is a factor for your credibility with mentalism. historically speaking look at the oracles of delphi, salem witch trials, these were "intuitive" women. just an idea to present grounding for your credibility.

If what you are doing is greeted with "Howd'ja do that?" your presentation is not "real" enough. You are perceived as doing nothing but tricks, so make it real and mystical, and play on their own perceptions of what you are "doing"...

Lee

Rebecca Travis:
The Fox sisters and the Davenports were teenagers when they stunned the world.

I can be harder in ways, but if you get things straight and a consistent, not just one "trick" between others it can work.

Uri Geller became a world wide sensation at a very young age.
The innocence of young age doing certain things can be very disarming.
Keep working on it. If it is your passion you will find a way.

If this is the way you want to go, one way is to find a Reader system that you feel comfortable with, such as Tarot, Palmistry, Astrology, etc., to build on. However the water gets deep for various reasons. Later if you wish, you wish you can drop it.
Dick Brooks

Rebecca, In terms of youth and freaking people out, I invite you to read my girlfriend's 'true account' of what she witnessed that still freaks her out to this day. It was on the bizarre magic boards under floating coke can I believe.