Hi folks,
Does anyone have advice or practice exercises for how to be casual? When the instructions to a trick advise you to be casual, what does that mean? I know in principle -- don't make a big deal about a move, don't act self-conscious about it, don't draw attention to it through words or body language -- but that's all theory. The first principle of being casual is probably to practice your sleights so well that you can do them, without thinking and with utter confidence, while talking or doing something else. That in itself is pretty daunting. During the three years or so that I've been studying magic I've practiced a double lift, the Hunter shuffle, etc., many, many times, and I'm still not nearly as consistent as I'd like to be. Another principle would be to be relaxed -- but I'm nervous by nature, and I don't know how well I fake calm!
Can anyone suggests exercises in casualness? I'm thinking of the sort of thing that Al Schneider suggests (in his work on false transfers, for instance), but perhaps not specifically directed toward one technique. Just some sequences of moves to practice that would make it easier to be casual when doing secret moves. A bit like practicing scales in music, I suppose.
Thanks to everyone for whatever ideas they might have.
Does anyone have advice or practice exercises for how to be casual? When the instructions to a trick advise you to be casual, what does that mean? I know in principle -- don't make a big deal about a move, don't act self-conscious about it, don't draw attention to it through words or body language -- but that's all theory. The first principle of being casual is probably to practice your sleights so well that you can do them, without thinking and with utter confidence, while talking or doing something else. That in itself is pretty daunting. During the three years or so that I've been studying magic I've practiced a double lift, the Hunter shuffle, etc., many, many times, and I'm still not nearly as consistent as I'd like to be. Another principle would be to be relaxed -- but I'm nervous by nature, and I don't know how well I fake calm!
Can anyone suggests exercises in casualness? I'm thinking of the sort of thing that Al Schneider suggests (in his work on false transfers, for instance), but perhaps not specifically directed toward one technique. Just some sequences of moves to practice that would make it easier to be casual when doing secret moves. A bit like practicing scales in music, I suppose.
Thanks to everyone for whatever ideas they might have.