by FTHO » Apr 14th, '12, 16:33
For a similar reason to you i always like to open with something selfworking or at least sleight less...
Depending on the type of performance i often open with Neither Blind Nor Stupid by Juan Tamariz or Mockingbird by Max Maven. However they are both long routines so if i don't think i have their attention i will do something shorter usually either Revelation from Harry Lorayne's Close Up Card Magic or Kismet by Michael Vincent (neither of which are sleight less, but also very simple and nothing to be nervous about).
I suggest looking in to all of those as they are all technically very easy but pack a strong effect, i've been using them to try and overcome stage fright, giving up performing sleight of hand until i feel more confident, or until i've already performed 1 or 2 technically simple effects.
lastly i would recommend looking into Mick Ayres Act series. These books contain strong mentalism with cards thats all really simple and easy to do. The books are all complete acts from open to close and i believe Mick was using them for stage performances, but all the effects i've looked at work well close up.
Sam