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OTTOEMEZZO Special user 544 Posts |
Let's say you are in a casual, social situation with friends and the topic of conversation turns to mindreading, psychology, or however it is that you present your abilities. Do you believe that there is a big difference between these two:
1. You demonstrate your abilities solely using borrowed or no props. 2. You take out a prop from your pocket and perform an effect with it.
"The Swan Song" is my last release to the mentalism community. Only a few copies remain!
"Unholy Grail" is now available! Features Perfected Day for Any Date, Ultimate PK Touches, Triple Drawing Duplication, and The Presence (my ghost effect)! Everything is 100% prop-less! "Tres" LIMITED EDITION e-Book contains my signature "No Touches" PK Touches! Now SOLD OUT! "Reverie" is for sale! Features extremely strong, 100% prop-less mentalism effects! "Secret Files" is NOW AVAILABLE directly through me. Contains the EASIEST DAY FOR ANY DATE version!!! |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Cassidy has a line about this subject, I think. I will look it up.
Tod
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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ElliottB Inner circle 3250 Posts |
In my opinion, the first option is the way to go, but props are fine if they are (or appear to be) normal objects that you would be expected to carry.
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Brane Loyal user Virginia, USA 272 Posts |
Yes, I think there IS a difference, although I guess that depends on the 'prop' and how you define that.
Almost anything that you can think of doing, short of a psychometric reading or hypnosis, is going to require SOME sort of object(s). Paper, pencil, coins, wallet, business card(s), wrist watch or whatever. Of course, to me, it would seem that the 'things' that you use should be something that one would reasonable find in a pocket anyway. (And I, personally, don't think that a deck of playing cards is a 'usual' item to be found in 95% of people's pockets!) But a hidden gimmick, such as a Swami, or an overt object, such as a Stealth Assassin, or a Riggs Butterfly . . . these are things that may - or may not - be defined as a prop. Those would be reasonably acceptable as natural/ normal items. I would figure that you begin by BELIEVING that you can sometimes pick up thoughts or emotions or body 'tells' or whatever . . . so, then how would you demonstrate that fact? I doubt that you'd carry around colored poker chips, small packets of specially printed cards, little machined brass gadgets or colored envelopes. I once saw Richard Webster do a routine in a hotel lobby with six or eight people, and he used some business cards and he used a silver chain that he wore around his neck as a pendulum; nothing on the end of it. He completely amazed the people! I was always impressed with how completely 'impromptu' it all seemed. I figure that's how a 'real' mentally talented person would look! brane |
Drewmcadam Inner circle Scotland 1239 Posts |
My goodness, Brane talks a lot of sense here!
<<I would figure that you begin by BELIEVING that you can sometimes pick up thoughts or emotions or body 'tells' or whatever . . . so, then how would you demonstrate that fact? I doubt that you'd carry around colored poker chips, small packets of specially printed cards, little machined brass gadgets or colored envelopes. >> Do you want a FREE one that I use? Okay. Do you know the hoary old card trick Make the Cards Match? If you don’t… then click onto the next topic. (Have they gone? Good.) Imagine a game where you win if the last two remaining numbers / couples / opposites are duplicates. Right - ten business cards with the numbers 1 through 5 and duplicated / famous couples such as Anthony and Cleopatra / black and white scribbled on them, and duplicated… are you with me? With just this, you can demonstrate (1) The ability to influence "choices, decisions and thought patterns" (which pile do you want to start with THIS pile, or THAT pile.) (2) The ability to know what choices they are going to make before they even know themselves (i.e. when they are going to say “switch”) and (C) the ability to memorise where each symbol is even through they are being “mixed, muddled and eliminated” Not only do you have the remarkable revelation that the last two remaining business cards match – and you win. But so does every other pair! I mean, come on, how much of a “wow!” factor can you get from 10 business cards? By the way, I had 10 ESP (doubles) symbols made up and use this on stage with four participants (I only used one, but Colin McLeod suggested performing this with more participants – and he was right.) It creates an atmosphere of absolute shock. You could ONLY do this if you really were a savant or a genius. (I am neither, just in case you were wondering!) Imagine that moment – the last two match. “Would you say that I in any way influenced you?” “No, Drew.” Then how do you explain this… and THIS… and THIS… and THIS!” But you can get the same reaction with just 10 business cards! (I think I have said too much.) Drew |
Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Nice to see you back here Ron, check your spam filters:::)
No props to (everyday) props is what I like to try. No hits does not bother me. My routine are all tests anyway. Candin
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OTTOEMEZZO Special user 544 Posts |
I believe that in impromptu situations like this, one should not be worried about misses. Currently I perform 6 effects in close up settings and there are only two visible props for one of the effects: a pad and pencil. That's it! From my stand point, people are much more willing to believe that what I am doing is real when there aren't any props or visible compromises. There is a sort of an organic blend between the methods and effects that brings joy to me during performances.
"The Swan Song" is my last release to the mentalism community. Only a few copies remain!
"Unholy Grail" is now available! Features Perfected Day for Any Date, Ultimate PK Touches, Triple Drawing Duplication, and The Presence (my ghost effect)! Everything is 100% prop-less! "Tres" LIMITED EDITION e-Book contains my signature "No Touches" PK Touches! Now SOLD OUT! "Reverie" is for sale! Features extremely strong, 100% prop-less mentalism effects! "Secret Files" is NOW AVAILABLE directly through me. Contains the EASIEST DAY FOR ANY DATE version!!! |
Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Quote:
On 2009-04-02 00:12, OTTOEMEZZO wrote: Well said. Misses are misses. Sort of like before I was married, nothing to really fear.....but then again.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
Mach New user 48 Posts |
I believe it would be more powerful without the aid of props.
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lejon Special user 721 Posts |
It really depends on who you are.
if your character expands on your everyday life, then what would that character be likely to carry with him. if you are madam irma, then its only logical that you have tarot cards with you. if youre the psychological type who does this as a hobby then a pen and borrowed business is as far as you can stretch it. it really depends on who you are. |
Reuben Dunn Inner circle Has a purple ribbon wraped around my 1592 Posts |
What is defined as a "prop"?
Recently, in order to get my CT skills back in shape, I've taken to carrying around 3X5 cards, cut in half, in my shirt pocket, along with a ball point. I do a lot of practice when there is "down" time at work, as well as when I'm on some outings with my family. With the billets, I can do name/place-ODDS-or a bog-standard mind reading/Q&A. Are the billets considered props? |
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