Which word do you use to perform your mentalism mysteries, "tricks," "effects," or a different word? Most magicians will cross the line to step on our toes if we do not use their word, "tricks."

Experiments.
Let's try something.
Here's an idea I've had, can I show you something?

Depends on the framing. Sometimes I use experiment as well and sometimes It's framed as a "game"

I use "effects" when talking to people about my work. I never use the word "tricks" unless I'm talking about something that has the conceit that it is about tricking people. Not the context I want on my work. In my show I never need to frame things like that. There are a few times where I say "An experiment..." "An experience..." "Join me on this journey..." etc...

I think you're hanging out with the wrong magicians. Its best nobody ever try and step on my toes while I'm performing, they would deeply regret that. Also, I couldn't care less what magicians think about the decisions I make in my performance.

I think the trend of treating "trick" and "effect" as if they were interchangeable is part of the trivialization of magic.

In my scripts I never say "trick" in reference to my own stuff. Like Matt said, "trick" has a certain connotation that is not applicable to my performances. Demonstration, game, experiment (if it can genuinely fail), etc. but never trick.

And also like Matt, I could not care less what magicians think about that choice. My audiences are smart enough to draw their own conclusions as to what I'm doing on stage to entertain them.

I use the term "event."

A trick of mind control is one way to use the word but I agree with most that the verbiage of trick should be eliminated in favor of effect or experiment and so on. Hard to do when coming from a magic background but not impossible. Something to just be aware of. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I called my magic, "tricks" either? "Shown to me by a wise and learned gentleman, I'd like to share what I was taught with you."

"Demonstration". (Tricks work, demonstrations may not!)

I really like this one. Thanks for sharing it.

Demonstrations, experiments, etc. are all good and I've certainly used them. I think an important thing to remember is how names define things. I'm treading closely to some of Jermay's writings but in a totally different direction, FYI.

If you call something a "trick", that is how it gets categorized in their mind. If you call something an "experiment", different connotations flavor how they process it. I'm a cell biologist by day, so I understand how using the phrase "experiment" impacts people.

I think what you call what you do is a very personal decision and is reflective of you as a character. If you call something an "illusion" then maybe you don't pretend other stuff you do is "real", for example.

Here's a thought, which I think I can share without giving away my approach: keep it a bit mysterious.

You obviously need to introduce yourself somehow but instead of showing them "a trick", instead offer to show them "something interesting."

"Something interesting": whatever it is, all they know is it is supposed to be interesting. "Something mysterious", "something strange".

In writing this, it also occurs to me that this sounds like something out of Wonder Words (Kenton Knepper) but I can't think of this exact discussion. There are the "Unspecified Referential Index" words, but those are used in a different way (to buy intellectual/emotional conviction. At least that is what people agree on. ;-) ).

Best of luck,
Lem

The label has importance, but if you don't offer congruence, is even detrimental. It doesn't matter if you call it "experience" if people just feel a trick.

So first we need to work in the experience, and then find a proper label... and please don't do tricks. People are tired of them and they deserve more.

I don't usually label them at all in performance, it's just something along the lines of 'let's try this'. On occasion, I'll use the term 'piece' i.e. a piece of music.

I never ever use the word "tricks". Tricks are something dogs and trained monkeys do. If we want people to respect the art it would help if the practitioners themselves did so. Probably the public would hold magic in higher esteem if magicians didn't use words like "tricks" among others. Don't mean to sound harsh, it's just a pet peeve of mine, your mileage may vary!

Yet it's true. Let's face it - only magicians do tricks. The moment anyone comes here and asks about "tricks" we all know they're a magician, quite simple. No need to sugar coat it, not meant to be offensive, just simply stated. No other performer does tricks.

Most see tricks as an insult. When I worked with Evel Knievel and his family, he/they hated the word "tricks" when referencing their motorcycle exhibition, if someone referred to them as tricks, Evel would "they aren't tricks, I'm not a god***n magician!"

I know a juggler who does tricks but maybe he's just a magician of aerial manipulation?

Skateboarders and BMX riders do tricks too.

I can think of another type of 'performer' that does 'tricks' too....

Also trained animals.

Nonetheless, most mentalists would not like to be lumped in with this group.

This is overthinking it. Just entertain your audiences. Nothing else matters.

Heartedly disagree! My objective is never to "just entertain" anyone. Everything you do in life "matters" beyond the trick of the moment. (opinion)
Doing things to "entertain people" and leaving them with a notion of "must be magic" are entirely different, and where art enters the scene.

If there is no "affect" there is no art.

Personally, I do not find a person just doing tricks to be very entertaining at all - or not for long.

I too agree with your disagreement. Entertaining should be a given, as entertainers, it is the minimum of what we should be doing. Much else matters. When I hear someone say this it tells me they are either not a performer in the real world as they would quickly realize otherwise, or that they are simply working on the surface without a complete understanding of the experience.

...a demonstration, an experiment...they are the two I tend to use...