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Hi there,

Sorry for the unusual topic title but i didn't know what else to put. COUGH. Hmmmm ok, In the last few months, i have become obssessed with magic. I'm very into the mentalism side of things and the sort of stuff Derren Brown and Luke Jermay do. I don't know how this happened, but a few months ago i suddenly became obssessed with the work of Derren Brown. And then i just had the urge to go out and learn everything about how he works. I bought his book and everything and got down to the nitty gritty. Obviously none of the stuff that i learnt worked for me. The whole suggestion thing appears easy to learn but i just can't do it.

About 2 weeks ago i bought the swami gimmick which i had only just found out about and what a brilliant gimmick it is, especially for a beginner! Of course, i've noticed that the gimmick is very limited in what it can do and that it only takes one loudmouth spectator to jump in and notice something. I'm talking about the type of person that will keep asking questions like 'ok hang on, don't write anything down, just tell me what I'm thinking'. Someone like that can potentially ruin a whole routine.

So, now I'm on the look out for all the best material i can get my hands on. I really do hope that i can get into this profession properly and not just as a hobbyist. Seeing this forum looks to me like the best place to start if i want advice or help. So here i am, ready to learn!

Thats me,

Ollie

P.S Sorry if that turned out like a review of magic but hey, I'm all about detail!

It sounds like you're quickly realising that mentalism is mostly about presentation.

Two good places to start learning the classic physical techniques are Corinda's "13 Steps To Mentalism", and Annemann's "Practical Mental Magic". Both detail tons of methods, ideas and variations.

Ah yes, 13 steps to mentalism! I've heard of that and was already considering buying it. The other one i hadn't heard of, but i'll look it up. i was also considering one of luke jermay's books, if you think that would be the right way to go...

Welcome to TM!

I would start with Corinda and work on from there as Tomo suggests. Jermay's material is for the more experienced performer and you need to be a good communicator to make it fly. A good intro to his material is that of Kenton Knepper, which is a little bit more sure-fire (but still requires you to be a very good communicator)... start with at the beginning and work your way up.

There is a sticky in 'Support and Tips' on how to approach the study of mentalism.

Agreed, Cardza. It's best to work through purely "mechanical" techniques and become really confident in your presentation before moving onto stuff that has a more psychological basis. Any flicker of doubt and the audience will smell blood

Weclome ollieinthelight

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It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it....Happy Magic

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