talkmagic.co.uk

Hi,

Most of the rest of this forum seems to focus on methodology and effects so I hope this question isn't considered a little too basic for everyone.

I've been practicing a few basic routines for a while now and when I first thought I'd mastered one effect, I decided I wanted to show it to an audience. A real audience. Okay they were co-workers but I'd only met them two days prior in an engineering conference and it seemed a good proving ground on a personal level.

The routine I decided to go with was called "A Hare Raising Experience". It's on sale in a few places, but most of you probably already know it.

In terms of sleights, it's very simple, and my presentation of it was even simpler, and the whole thing went off without a hitch except that through the entire thing my hands were shaking uncontrollably (the fact that I managed to get to the end successfully in these conditions is a testament to the simplicity of the method really).

That was what first tipped me off to this problem I have, no matter how well I perform a routine in front of a mirror, as soon as I get in front of people I start to feel incredibly nervous, my hands start shaking and the thought that the shaking is going to mess up the sleights just makes me more nervous.

I'm not really sure the best way to go about conquering this problem. My current mindset is that I need to perform simpler material to more people and get over the nerves but this seems to go against the old motto of not performing an illusion until you know you won't get it wrong.

The two seem at loggerheads.

Has anyone else overcome this sort of thing or is slick calm performance something you're either born with or not?

-Stacy

How did you present yourself to your co-workers ?

Did you announce thet you are a magician and you would give a performance at x o'clock in the canteen area. All very formal, look at me, I have skills that I will demonstrate. putting myself under stress and scrutiny. All eyes look at me. If it goes wrong I'll look silly.

or

Was it just a casual chat with co-worker friends where you informally introduce "something interesting" and present an effect. You are talking with your group rather than presenting at them. If it goes wrong then so what, you have still had an interesting chat. No pressure.

Try the second approach for a while to build up your confidence before performing in a more formal way.

You did persevere, however, and while you were aware of your hands shaking you will probably find that others never even noticed. What we imagine is happening, and what the audience see, are often quite different things.

Actually they did notice the shaking, but they thought it was part of the act, given the nature of what multiplying rabbits imply..

It was neither of the two really, on the second evening meal of a four day conference we just started chatting and I mentioned I was learning magic, and they asked to see a trick and I said I'd do one the next night.

I'd taken the sponge rabbits with me for this exact eventuality, knowing it was the only routine I could pull off.

So I guess I was pushed into a situation to prove myself and so when I approached them the next night it was a bit confrontational, although they thoroughly enjoyed it when it reached the finale.

I've had the same shaking nerves when doing cups and balls for my folks at home though, and that wasn't at all confrontational, although I was trying to prove my worth to my parents (as always, successful older brothers will do that to a family) so again it felt like there was something riding on it.

So yes what you're saying makes good sense, building a big event up around a 3 minute show for close friends is probably not a psychologically great way to kick things off, but I am trying to get myself used to the stresses of performance so there's a delicate balance.

One day, in a few years, I want to audition to join the magic circle, and when that hits, I will be trying to prove myself, there will be a lot riding on it, and I will once agin be confronted with a big fear of failure. What I'd like to do is use smaller performances now to learn to deal with that.

- Stacy

I have a problem with shaking hands, but it is caused by asthma medication! I just don't take the medication on performance days.

Seriously, the best advice I know for overcoming performance nerves (and developing stage presence) is to join your local Toastmasters Club. A few weeks there will make a massive difference to you.

Hey.
I am exactly the same. Shake uncontrollably.

It's annoying. Even when I'm writing down a prediction and I know what it is, I still shake.

I was told by another magician that the first time he performed at a party, every trick at every table went wrong.... Yet the audience lives him and he received a high amount of praise.

He said this helped him massively as he knows if it goes well or not, they will still be entertained and wowed.
I am confident at performing to a couple of close family members but still get the shakes when it's BBQ time or at a similar family event.

I think like everyone says it's all about practice, an annoying word, yet they are all right!

Hope I have helped. Will let you know if I find a better solution. Lol

Cheers. Richard.

I think like everyone says it's all about practice, an annoying word, yet they are all right! Smile

Just to qualify that - it's about real-life performing experience.
You can practice as much as you want, but more and more performing is the key.
People do have physical issues and manifestations of emotion sometimes - me, I sweat heavily at anything over 20 degrees, (almost every gig I work then... ), and people think it's nerves.
Bruce

Yup! It really is a case of getting out into the real world and performing for people. You should find that you will soon become more confident and relaxed the more you perform for people. As long as you are confident in your magic then you can concentrate on the presentation and dealing with the public. Some breathing exercises may help before approach the group. Just take a brief moment to relax and prepare yourself before approaching them. Just try to stay in a positive, confident mood and i am sure all will be well.

Sometimes it isn't nerves that are making you shake but adrenalin. That kicks in when you're in a stressful situation such as performance. Glucose or Lucozade tablets can help. Just suck one five minutes before performance. It tends to get rid of butterflies in the tummy too!

The whole glucose tablet trick helped me a lot when I was just starting out many years ago. These days I think I'm at my happiest when I'm out on stage! You will get there in time...

Failing anything else, a bottle of scotch will eradicate your inhibitions.

Lord Freddie wrote:Failing anything else, a bottle of scotch will eradicate your inhibitions.

"Is thish your card? No, no, wait! Is thish your card? No, wait, thish is really cool, just watch! Is thish your card? Are you sure it's not cos thish usually works and it's so cool! Are you sure thish isn't your card? What's your name again? Is your boyfriend here? No? Great! Is thish your card?"

Itr has been said before. Alsong as you are well practiced with your effecs you are ready for performing to an audience. Any chance you get to be the focus of attention whether it is speaking in front of people or people. Tha will help with performance nerves. The tip about dealing with the adrenaline rush by having a glucose tablet.


The most important thing is enjoy yourself

Lord Freddie wrote:Failing anything else, a bottle of scotch will eradicate your inhibitions.

Bob Monkhouse used to say that he never went on stage alone. He also used to take the glass home as a keepsake.

I have 2 routines I am completely happy with, one card trick, one is sponge rabbits. I start with one or other, as I see fit.
That calms me down, and then I find everything is OK.
Bruce

I don't shake when I perform because I do not get nervous. I DO get excited however and that makes me hot and I sweat. Annemann used to say that sweat was good for a mindreader because it makes him look like he's exerting himself to produce the phenomenon.

Here are a few more tips:

-Keep in mind that as early as 24 hours later, they will have forgotten all about you. They will have moved on to newer things so in the grand scheme of things, it's not really that important.

-Paul Daniels says we are not being FORCED to perform.. We have NO reason to be nervous at all. We are playing with our toys! We LOVE to do this, so what have we got to be nervous about? Nothing!

-So they pick the wrong card, so you drop a prediction on the floor, so an effect fails... As Joy Behar would say, "So what, who cares?!"

-Avoid coffee for at least three hours prior to your performance.

-Remember people are not so concerned with the way YOU appear and act.. they are more concerned with the way THEY appear and act. People judge you far less than you might believe.

-Relax and have fun!

Happy Thoughts,
Paul Pacific

I am going to print that last post. Thanks for that. Great advice.