Something that really stuck with me when I read Showmanship For Magicians, by Daniel Fitzkee, years ago. He said that the two things that people are primarily interested in are (1) themselves and (2) other people, and that the wise showmen will tailor his performances with those principles in mind. After that, when I started using audience "volunteers" more frequently in my parlor shows, especially bringing them up on stage, I noticed significantly higher levels of audience interest and reactions. Also, when the performer interacts with the volunteers and even members of the audience at large, they will say and do amusing, funny and entertaining things, which enhances the overall entertainment value of the show. After all, getting people involved in the show fulfills both of the two criteria mentioned above. So I highly recommend doing this - not necessarily for every single routine, but almost...