Hmmm...I dont know how to fully explain this. Anyone whos been there will know exactly what Im talking about but some that are new to magic may not get it quite yet. Its "the flow." For me anyways, so long as Ive put in the practice required and Ive performed the routine for spectators enough, once I know where the patter goes (which I try to hide as just regular conversational interaction rather than cheesy magician stories) so long as Ive first BEFRIENDED MY AUDIENCE, Im able to just get into "the flow!" I dont have to worry about if things will work or how my misdirection is because Ive done it all before. I can just focus on interacting with the group rather than thinking to myself "keep talking, look them in the eyes while I palm, misdirect for the load, gee hope they dont notice...etc." So I guess thats the main focus really, interaction with the group in a fun friendly manner, but I do that best if Im able to "get in the flow." If it all comes across as just someone talking WITH others while doing amazing things rather than AT them while focusing more attention on the cards or what have you, it all seems just that much more...I dont know...fun! And isnt that why we do what we do?! So I guess to summarize, first PRACTICE!!! Then BEFRIEND YOUR SPECTATORS (they will be much more likely to want to play along if they see you as friendly rather than some weird guy with a deck of cards talking to them and their friends) INTERACT with them rather than SHOWING them a trick, and HAVE FUN! For me anyways, this is where "the flow" lingers in wait. I really hope this is able to help someone out rather than looking like the mad ramblings of a guy who didnt get enough sleep...cheers!
