talkmagic.co.uk

Now then, wish me well. This is my very first self-started thread or whatever you call it.

So here it is. In all its proud glory. Look here. Commands and such. We all use them during our magic and mentalism. Things we say or do that command attention. Either for nefarious means, or simple things to make something work.

I feel this also ties in with your performing manner too. Are you a little strict? Are you fast and loose? A gentle madman? A charming cheat perhaps...

All of those things will indirectly influence how you influence others to do as they are jolly well told.

If you wish to share some tips, lines or movements do please feel free.

My favourites:
Classic force - maintaining direct eye contact followed by a cheeky "here...this one" said so that people watching don't know if it's a question or a command. As i say this, i just place the card in their hand as i go through the rest. The eye contact says that i am not looking at the cards - ergo i cannot know which one is taken. Al Koran was the inspiration, however he would look away. I am more blunt.

Lapping and ditching - again, the eye contact, draw them in by speaking slightly quieter than normal. Lean in as you talk. As you lean in that is when you do the dirty deeds.

Switching - Gesticulate. Wave of the hands, talk, engage and smile. Be relaxed and positive. Let their eyes get used to your hands movements. And then learn to mimic those moves for when you wish to switch.

Timing and misdirection - All that we do can be seen as an influence or suggestion. If i scratch my head as i talk; am i scratching my head because of an itch - or am i dropping a coin on top of my bonce? As we stop and relax, so does the participant. Where we look - so do they. If we act as though something is precious - it shall be so.

I will stop there. And hopefully let others continue.

I've always liked 'your happy with that.' when I force a card. They always say yes and it feels like I gave them the option to switch.

Also my first psychological trick I learned before I understood the art. I can't remember who the man was, but he claimed to be able to slow his pulse through relaxation. (and no, it wasn't Derren brown this was years before I ever heard of him) I assumed (and let me know if I'm spoiling a trick here) that he just told them his pulse was going to slow, and they thought it did.
I tried it out to an instant success, and I've only had about three misses in about 12 years. Although I do hear there's a magical way to do it, I never bothered to check.

another important thing beside the nes you mentioned is naturalness of your movements (read about it in ascanio vol1. great source of inspiration). Basically if you can palm a card with a natural movement then you dont need the misdirection anymore. But to move naturally those sleights must be executed flawlessly, so i would say good technic and the naturalness that comes with it.

greets