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MT Elite user 414 Posts |
You got to be wise about how you approach people. Make sure you're approachable.
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djurmann Inner circle thinks time to practice and stop writing 1481 Posts |
A simple query - If I want to set up a table to get people to come to me, what kind of table would you recommend, and how many tricks to a set?
Thanks |
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PenEnpitsu New user Southern California 36 Posts |
I'm pretty sure you can use any kind of table you'd be comfortable lugging around in your car and you wouldn't mind getting banged up a bit. I'd bring a box that you can mix and match with to come up with 10-20 minute shows, depending on the size of your crowd.
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DoctorCognos Elite user 413 Posts |
If you ask, "Do you want to see a magic trick".... You will get some yes, and some no.
That is about 50/50. Why take that risk? First, I don't think you want to find a place where folks are just hanging out. That would work for one performance, and then they have seen it and you have to move on to the next "place". So, why not find a place where the foot traffic is moving? You stop some, do your thing, and they move on and a new set of folks are coming by. I look at the passersby and pick out someone who looks like a leader. Smile, and look him in the eyes. "There he is," I loudly proclaim as I make a sweeping pointing motion towards him, continuing to maintain eye contact. "Here is the one we were waiting for. This is a guy who likes to have fun." Now I ask him, "Do you like to have fun?" (I have already labeled him as one who likes fun. And there is nothing negative or threatening about liking to have fun, so what will he say?) Of course he says YES! I look around, "What about you? Do you like to have fun, too?!" It is starting to happen. Now, others stop to see what is happening. Then take out a deck of cards and ask, "Do you want to see a card trick?" Before they answer, I toss the deck back into my case and say, "Me neither. I told you this would be fun, so take a look at this..." And I do a street Linking Rings routine with crash links and other surprises. This follows my earlier advice, somewhere in this forum, about engagement. If you don't engage them, you don't keep them. BroDavid aka The DOctor I find someone who looks like a leader.
The Doctor Knows.....
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The Mighty Fool Inner circle I feel like a big-top tent having 2140 Posts |
What a coincidence....I just got finished doing the rounds for the night, and I come upon this thread.
The 50%-ers are spot on. I keep a running tally every time, and occasionally I get close to 60%, but not often. You'll need to change your approach, depending on the age / dress of the marks. Over 40's can be a GREAT hit, because if you put on a gentlemanly charm they'll warm right up to you. If you're cruising the club streets after hours, use the duck-hunter's philosophy: Aim for flocks. Never waste your time on one or two people, go for groups of 3 or more. It increases the odds of tips, and it can act as a magnet to other passersby. (Not to mention, a group won't feel threatened by you.) If a child happens to be in the group or stops to watch, go for it!! AIM LOW....children aka 'akkys' (short for Achilles' heels) are the weak point of any crowd. Put a smile on the child's face, and you will SO win the people over....their money will practically come out by itself.
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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JoeJoe Inner circle Myrtle Beach 1915 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-01-28 14:27, DoctorCognos wrote: Asking someone if they want to see a magic trick is an art form in itself. I get "yes" 100% of the time. The secret is to not let them answer the question, but rather answer it for them. "You wanna see a magic trick ... sure ... come on over. I'll show you a magic trick, I don't mind." If you look over some of the summer shows on my YouTube channel, you'll see me do it. Study me doing it, and you might even notice it is a very powerful way to gain "control" ... What better way to control the thoughts of your audience than to answer the questions for them? -JoeJoe
Amazing JoeJoe on YouTube[url=https://www.youtube.com/user/AmazingJoeJoe]
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Ryan_B_Magic Loyal user Sugar Grove IL 244 Posts |
All you got to do is stand in front of them and levitate into the air. That's what I do. lol
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Joiemagic New user New York 1 Post |
On occasions where I have to take the Subway in NY, one of the things that I do, being I always have something in my pocket to perform is to start off not asking anyone. I will pull out my thumbtip and silk and just start to "Practice" my vanishes and appearances of the silk. I keep doing it over and over, allthe while peeking around to see who is looking. Eventually someone does catch what I am doing and smiles when I look in their direction. From there, I will pull out something else (Mismade Bill, Professor's Nightmare, Cards, etc) and go into a mini show. Eventually, others start to watch and get involved with the entertainment that is happening. I have booked one or two shows, just from doing that...
I have not mastered the approach to random people on the street yet, cause I do have a case of being shy. Just doing the magic sets me free though. |
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JoeJoe Inner circle Myrtle Beach 1915 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-04-07 21:02, Joiemagic wrote: Something with sound will improve your results ... when crowds are really tough, I do a silk vanish using a magic wand ... tapping the wand on the ground before and after the vanishes. Now instead of relying on 1 sense (sight), you are utilizing two (sight and sound). -JoeJoe
Amazing JoeJoe on YouTube[url=https://www.youtube.com/user/AmazingJoeJoe]
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
I prefer the 'Harpo Marx' approach of 'spontaneously' doing something mundane in a miraculous manner when witnesses are present. A 'for-instance' example might be plucking an apple from a picture of a fruit basket, and walking away munching happily.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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ThinkThurston New user 66 Posts |
Derren Brown has excellent advice about this in Absolute Magic. Get your hands on the book but for his thoughts about this but in general, make sure to project a willingness to adapt to the group's space as opposed to forcing them to adapt to your space.
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Ekuth Inner circle Floating above my 1538 Posts |
I find I have much better results if I just start doing my thing. Unexpected venues are great too- and never underestimate the power of a captive audience.
I have one effect I use that never fails to get a positive reaction- but not because of the effect but rather *where* I do it. It lasts all of maybe 3 seconds. I use my opener, perform the effect once the ice is broken and before their brains reset to "don't talk to strangers" mode, and then tip my hat and walk away leaving them with their jaws on the floor. I've actually had people chase me down.
"All you need is in Fitzkee."
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mpicard Regular user 102 Posts |
Hello
1)I go up to people and say hello, my na,me is Michael Picard, do you know me? Good that meansyou won't be calling America's most wanted! Just kidding really, I have done street and restaraunt magic for years and all it takes is an introduction and say "let's try something here!" which I guess that I picked up that phrase from when I was younger watching Kreskin on tv. 2) exude confidence, when I was 14 I would go door to door performing magic. Which in turn is why I ended up selling Fuller Brush products door to door when I was in high school. actually a good start might be to get a restaraunt gig for table hopping which is a version of street magic. in my opinion btw. |
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Devious Inner circle 2120 Posts |
Miser's Dream out in an open area, then encourage them over to you where you will perform. Makes noise, fun to watch, there is no start or end point, so you can continually do the same movements over and over until such a time as you have a nice group to begin the performance with.
I have a few tips on the blog listed in my signature area. Have a wonderful day folks! |
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Synatics Regular user 156 Posts |
Usually I walk up to people and say "Hey guys, do you like magic" If they say yes, I ask if they want to see some. If they say no, I say "do me one favour very quickly, take a card" I then force a card that says 'liar!' on it. As soon as they have the liar card, I walk away and leave it with them. Don't give people that 'don't like magic' the privilege of seeing yours.
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charliewerner Regular user 164 Posts |
Street magic help you figure out problem or weakness of your trick. It is better to fail on street than to fail on actual paid event where you fail to fool and entertain your guest.
Also, perform a visual trick like floating card ... then back to card trick
"Seeing Joy, Sadness, Anger,Contempt,Surprise, Disgust,Fear on people faces are the motivation of my MAGIC" Charlie Werner (C.C.L)
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MerlinCrow New user The Netherlands 56 Posts |
Mostly I first approach people with a question after that a short moment of chit chat,
and about that time I have a good idea what kinda trick would be appropriate, Or if there mind is open in the first place. Merlin |
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Countage Veteran user Charlotte 361 Posts |
Just remember it is a numbers game sometimes.
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MerlinCrow New user The Netherlands 56 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-09-05 18:51, Countage wrote: My englisch is not that good mr. Countage, Could you explain what you mean with that ? Merlin |
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Nick W Special user 515 Posts |
If your doing it right, people will ALWAYS approach you. read that over 1000000 or until it starts to happen.
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