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can you help?

I need a reference to a book, article etc for the following (wrirren/unwritten) rule:

"don't tell them what to expect next when a trick is being done"

I know it si often broken, but do you know where i can find someone who discusses this.

kind regards

darrin

I'm confused as to what you're asking. Are you asking for text which contains the below sentence? What would be the purpose of that?

I believe that Darrin is asking about the notion of "telegraphing". Like saying something like: "For my next effect, I will..." Eugene Burger might have written about this. There are other books on the psychology of magic available which may help.

cheers ian and mark

yes, telegraphing sounds right.

I'm really looking for a reference that i can read and quote, perhaps a book and page number.

im interested in the philophy of magic and like references!

ha ha` - sounds sad

cheers

darrin

there are thousands of references regarding telegraphing the next part of an effect, as its one of the fundiments of magic.

Ammar probably has soemthing to say about it in his writings.

Its probably in vernon, ect too. but... You have to apreceate that this rule has nothing what so ever to do with the "philosophy" of magic .

Its just good old plain common sense that you never, ever tell people whats going to happen, before it happens, because if it doesnt happen, you will have no outs.

the audience will see that you have screwed up.

now sometimes, the magician can use false telegraphing techniques.

this is a form of misdirection that is most usefull in sucker, or comedy effects. The audience thinks that one thing will happen, and are watching out for it, whilst you do something completely different.

but as you can imagine, telling peiople the true outcome, will ruin all comedic value in the routine.

there now..

is that good enough for you? Its a leason in not telegraphing the ending, because in answering your question, ive given you something to reference

Daleshrimpton wrote:never, ever tell people whats going to happen, before it happens, because if it doesnt happen, you will have no outs.

Yes just watch any of Tommy Cooper.

thats almost his entire act, and a perfect example of why you shouldnt do it if your a straight magician.