4. Explain what is going on. All the tricks I do, I have an "explanation" to it. For example, my ACR, i say its misdirection even though they stare at the deck. This gives them a unbelievable explanation which they lean against which takes out the gimmick or what ever possibility.
I would have to disagree with that. In my opinion, the key to having a good trick is that no explanation is provided. Even if the explanation is an impossible one. When you give an explanation, the audience have something to fall back on when they try to looks for a method. For example:
I tested this out in school one day. In my first class, i did a trick where they picked a card and i was able to read their minds and tell them their card (I just used a force). The reactions were good but not quite as good as i expected. The audience might think "Wow, he can read minds. That's pretty cool." Then, later in the day. I did the same trick but instead, i brought out a red card, had them pick a card from a blue deck, and the two cards matched (Again, it's just a force). But the reactions were TEN TIMES STRONGER. No kidding, i got screams and laughs and "No way!"s. Then i heard a girl go "What?! That's not even possible. HOLY SH*T!!!"
Now if i were to do that trick with a "i can see into the future" plot, then i', guessing the girl might have said "Wow, i've never met someone who could predict the future before." Then it wouldn't be magic, it would be me showing off my abilities.