There is nothing like performing for real people to hone magic skills.

After a LONG time away from magic I just got back into it recently. I began practicing a few old favourite routines in front of a mirror and (so helpful now!) phone video.

I thought I was ready after a couple of months to run a couple of routines by my wife.

Yes, the patter needed work. But the sleights were good. She didn't notice them. You know why?

Misdirection.

I've been absorbing Andrew Galloway's book "Diverting Coin Magic". But until I performed something for a real, live person, I could not get any inkling as to the importance and POWER of misdirection!

It was fascinating to see how she looked where I looked. Sleights I was a bit hesitant about flew past her, because she was looking at me as I spoke to her.

I'm energized! Especially now, I realize misdirection is a real weapon, and we won't learn its subtleties until we get out in front of people.

It will make your magic easier. Just get out there and do it!

Good on you!
Many folks today attempt to learn effects from a video that can never show the misdirection,
or timing in response to eye contact or empathic awareness.

I am sure that your wife felt a more artistic connection too - more energized in kind.

"weapon?" I think not. Me - I coax embers alive with a feather, not an iron poker.

You are right on it rutabaga, that’s the real magic to it all…Misdirection. It deceptively disrupts the mind’s logical way and in those moments you go another way. When you get it down good, the specs don’t even know you’ve lost them even though they are right there with you…they think. And you know you're back in the saddle when my old friend funsway here responds so succinctly.

it’s like riding a bike, you begin to remember how to balance it all together to make things look like normal, only they ain’t.

Keep up the good work and again, welcome back!

You're so right. Even a slight glance directs attention, no force needed!