Randomwrath - I think your presentation is creative, but I am also concerned that if you don’t play it as an analogy, or tongue in cheek, that it almost appears a bit like I discussed in my thread above...going too far to sell an idea that seems hollow. For example, there is a difference in saying it’s LIKE a thought popping to the top of your head...and the card IS the thought popping to the top of your head. Either way, I am not sure if it IS like that, as the effect is the “idea” going to the middle or wherever, and coming to the top – not sure if this analogy is a great fit, but I can see how it would work. This brings up a great issue with “patter”, how often do we use stories with no real basis to fit the effect – versus coming up with a presentation and finding an effect to match. Randomwrath, thanks for sharing.
TeeDee – I have heard guys use presentations like yours – I take issue with a few things in it, and again, we are only thinking critically, not trashing – as all presentations work on some level. That being said, I find you violate a similar concept as Randomwrath – your presentation has no real truth to it for starts, all the moves you use, a gambler wouldn’t...not even the way you handled the card. Moreover, it reminds them that the entire thing is sleight of hand. This, for me, takes away from the magic of the ACR – as it should look like you do nothing, and despite your best efforts to be fair...it still comes to the top. This is why Daryl won FISM – as it wasn’t for a clever presentation, but a build to make it more and more fair...until he “sleight of hand proofs” the deck. Your “gambling” presentation does the opposite on many levels. Also, it doesn’t really engage the audience, as it is now a demonstration style presentation.
Dylan – again...same as above...I am not sure of your character, but regardless – I think magic is for intelligent people. Intelligent people usually make more money, and they can pay you more – with that being said – I will ask you this. Imagine you were the audience. If someone used your patter on your, would you really suspend your disbelief to think what he is saying is plausible? That the card has energy left on it? Also, your patter seems self narrative for the most part, which many will say is a mistake – for the audience can see what you are doing...and telling them only serves as mouth noise. Again, please don’t take this personally, the idea is to challenge all we do and see gaps – and what we can do to fill them if we choose to participate – thank you for sharing your approach.
Dleerium – I appreciate your response – thanks. I think your concept of making a lucid presentation that can adapt to your crowds may appear like a good idea – but I do have a few questions for you. First, would you not agree that it would take many presentations to fit the multitude of different beliefs? Also, do you think that you could prepare that many PROFESSIONAL presentations that didn’t seem too wordy, jumbled or sloppy for even more than a few different groups? Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, even though you are playing on their beliefs...it is your magic, and it makes NO statement on who you are or your stance on magic. You are in control and it is your journey to take them on. PM me and we can talk some examples from my own work. However, you may not need them, just realize that it is great you want to connect with them, but this shouldn’t always change your message. A TV show doesn’t change it’s premise based on it’s viewers. You might make your ACR about the resurrection of Christ...it will turn many off...appeal to others...BUT you have made a stance on your message. This is closer to art than trying to come up with something that fits the scene...also, it allows for more of a clean and polished presentation. This isn’t to say stayed “fixed” as I see presentations more like Jazz music – I know how I am going to start and finish...the road in between...although I have a path, can be different based on the situation. So as much as I agree with you, I still believe that a flexible fixed path may be better than a fixed or overly malleable presentation style.
Blah Blah – good line of thinking – and I don’t mind leading people down the wrong path – however, having them challenge you like that mid-effect can ruin the flow. A great idea is to remove all those doubts BEFORE they get there...so beat them to it. Loosely, here shuffle the back (so without saying you are actually letting them examine the pack) ...great you shuffled them, please go through them and take out one card...notice they are all different...take out one – (they take the two of clubs) but we want to make one REALLY different...more unique than ANY other two of clubs in the world. Sign your name on it...the only two of clubs in the world with your name on it. Now when they see it again, they can’t find a solution, you have removed them. Also, if your technique is solid – they should have no idea. Lastly, I wouldn’t want to say what you are doing is “weird”, it is what is it – ask them if they want to see something they will never forget? What would you rather see...something weird or something unforgettable?
Glad this thread is picking up – let’s all continue to look at what we are doing – what can we do better. Are your ACR routines connecting or is there an emotional hook (remember, emotional hook just means they need to identify with it)? Are you presenting it in a way they can identify and willingly suspend their disbelief? Does your presentation fit your character – ex. If you are a magician, why are you doing a gambling demo? NOTE THIS – although there are many ways to present magic, we must realize that just like there are bad ways to do sleights or technique poorly, there are bad ways to present magic. We don’t all have to say the same thing, but I think there are some “golden rules” in presentation (obviously or books like Strong Magic wouldn’t exist) and that we can use the same concepts to improve different presentations.
Thanks for everyone that is taking part in this – I see some real growth, and more to come. Keep it up!
Allright, lets start with the weakness:
