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nonprofitmagic Loyal user 203 Posts |
I have created a routine that is done over the radio. It is impromptu and done in real-time. I don't wish to fully divulge the routine, but in essence, the effect is that I influence the spectator (a radio station listener calling in who may be thousands of miles away) to think of something. At the end, I will tell the spectator what it is they are thinking of and I will be right.
BUT, here is the problem: What if the spectator, for whatever reason, purposefully lies and tells me she is NOT thinking of what I reveal? In a stage performance, I could have her write down the response and I could have her keep the prediction for later verification. In this case, that is not possible due to the fact that this is all transpiring on the radio, without any prior preparation. Even if she writes something down, we wouldn't have any video feed to confirm. With this in mind, I'd love insights from fellow mentalists to guide my thinking in terms of how I can handle this. Thank you! Kevin |
Michael Zarek Special user Sweden 923 Posts |
Don't be a **** when you talk to them and they should be nice back
Reader discretion is advised.
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Tony Iacoviello Eternal Order 13151 Posts |
One way is to have the guest say what she is thinking of, and then have the host read your prediction.
But honestly, I would not worry about it. Mind reading is not 100%. If you come across as nice and friendly, most people will go along honestly and not try to mess you up intentionally. When I was young, I used tp worry about these things. Now, if something goes wrong, I change the effect, no one but me knows how it was supposed to go in the first place. If I ask someone to name something, and they name something else, I just do a reading on the person based on what was named, instead of being flustered or upset, I try to befriend the person. Tony |
nonprofitmagic Loyal user 203 Posts |
You bring up a great point, Tony. I always value your feedback.
My only concern with the approach you mention is that I don't want the spectator to think that the host was "in on it". In other words, I want to maximize the "amazement" factor for the spectator, so that she (and the other listeners) rules out any sort of accomplice in the studio (or elsewhere). Thanks! Kevin Quote:
On Jan 13, 2016, Tony Iacoviello wrote: |
false_awakening New user 69 Posts |
Could you embed the answer prior to the reveal in such a way that it is unnoticeable at the time, but apparent in retrospect?
The first option that comes to mind is including a reading prior to the reveal that emphasizes some key qualities/events, the initials of which spell out the spectator's thought. Perhaps have the person note these words down so they have the evidence in front of them after they reveal their thought? This would seem to fit the effect of influencing the spectator. Also, rather than have the reading "happen to" reveal the thought (which could undermine the reading, since it was apparently contrived to fit the thought), maybe you chose to influence that particular thought based on your impressions of the spectator. This would depend on the ins and outs of the effect I guess. Perhaps that's too convoluted.. Just some first thoughts. |
bevbevvybev Inner circle UK 2672 Posts |
Like picking the 'right' spectator in a real-world environment, I'd say if you were going to do something like this on the radio you'd definitely need to make sure in advance that the person on the phone had been vetted in some way. For instance, another radio presenter in another studio. Professionals tend to stay professional; it's the public you have to watch out for.
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
I'd think you would also need to induce the right atmosphere.
If this is a challenge of any kind - "I will fool you"; "I can read your most closely guarded secrets" - you're probably dead. But if you create a unique, inviting and interesting occasion, what person wouldn't want to join you?? Just a stray thought, but if you're concerned about this, then is it possible you see something in either your personality or presentation that is less than inviting? Ed |
nonprofitmagic Loyal user 203 Posts |
I guess one presentation that would work is...make it into a spirit writing exercise...I would have them think of a deceased loved one to transmit the thoughts...who would then purposefully lie when they truly want to believe that the spirit is trying to communicate?
Kevin |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
What it more sounds like, Kevin, is that you have a method, and in your mind it plays out "like this". That is a great place to start working out the details you are now wondering about. (This is not trying to bust on you, but to keep you out of the same jam I have put myself into more than once!)
Here's what I would do: -- Rehearse this - actually go through all the motions and moves as if it was a real performance. Do it until it's as natural as breathing. -- Get a friend who will play the part of a willing volunteer to sit through a few more rehearsals until you're comfortable with the live interactions. Any place you find yourself telling him "No, you're supposed to do this.", you need to stop and adjust your script. -- Call another friend on the phone and do this. Put it on speaker and record it. Find someone experienced and professional to evaluate the recording and adjust accordingly. Or you can stumble through several live performances. Not recommended for the reputation. Ed |
jstreiff Special user 701 Posts |
Performers who project confidence rarely have these problems. Participants who have a vested interest in a successful demonstration rarely pose this challenge. If there should be a contradiction, it can be framed as a form of misunderstanding or participant deficiency.
John
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4188 Posts |
Forget enhancing the effect for the caller and go for the surefire route. Let's say the radio show has 20,000 listeners, what's to stop the other 19,999 listeners thinking the caller is in on it? They don't know the caller from Adam. The presenter on the other hand is someone they like and trust, that's why they tune into the show every day/week. Why risk letting someone the audience at large have no reason to trust make you look wrong when you can have the presenter they know and trust confirm that you are correct?
The easiest way to keep the spectator honest is to not give them an opportunity to be dishonest. Your rep is on the line, don't put it in the hands of a random stranger who just happened to dial the right number at the right time. Mark |
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