I do a lot of "Perverse Magic" where things just happen by themselves or I don't understand why what happens, happens.

So with this type of presentation when asked to do it again, it's easy to say "Are you kidding? I don't understand how it happened the first time!"

I just tell them that I can't do it again, or just show them another trick

If I know I'm about to do something that I don't want to repeat I make it very clear that they need to pay attention because I will not repeat it, I also find that this helps them appreciate it more.

I have rarely been asked to do it again but if I were I would just move on to something else

"Twice a night? - I'm getting too old for that!" (Obviously not for kids!).

Mike

Ok, next Tuesday.

Decades ago I overheard a magician say, "Again? Ah, if only I could. But like yesterday's incredible sunset it will never be repeated. What I want is a new and better one, Let me demonstrate ..."

"That wasn't even possible the first time I did it."

Good answer, writeall! I say something like "I don't do the magic... the magic does me, and it never repeats!" I like yours better...

Jim

Bingo! That's exactly what I say. When someone asks me to "do a trick", I hesitate, and then say, "OK, but, first? Do not ask me how it's done. And do not ask me to do it again. OK?" I'm grinning the whole time, so no rudeness. When they agree to those terms, I'll do something.

Doug

How bout....I can't. The gentlemen that showed me this trick asked me to promise that I would never show anyone twice....

Look at what it is that gets the "do it again". Is there a particular effect that draws this response, if so, look at it and see how you can change it up presentation and/or method and then you can do it a second time. There are some things I do with coins that can be changed up and done four or five times in variation and add in some feints and you're good. I still am careful in not pushing it. The best way is to just manage the audience.

I usually say "Ok", then just do something completely different. 9 times out of 10, they won't even notice you didn't repeat their trick.

David Stone had a great answer to this (yes Im big fan of him) he says: Magic trick is like a joke - it works only ones.

When they say do it again ,you say sure "glad you like my magic" and you just perform other effects .... and if they say, no, that one just now... you say " it is free for the first time, and you need to pay for the second time...

As long they pay you price of the trick, of cos you don't reject them. Save up the money buy a more expensive trick.

I seldom have spectators asking me to repeat an effect because nearly all of the effects I perform have a phase that progressively repeats at least three times. Examples include the chop cup, color changing knives, color changing silks, color vision, copper silver brass, multiplying balls, rubber bands, sponge balls, etc. I suggest seeking and performing material with multiple phases and climaxes. You can always jazz it up and change methods on them too. I enjoy using real world spectators to test everything that I have practiced relentlessly. Its like target practice to me As a magical entertainer you have to be flexible enough to accomodate your clients in my professional opinion. I once spent an hour at a party performing nothing but the chop cup and color vision for different groups at my client's request which made them very happy and satisfied customers

Do it again?
leads me to think of impromptu magic ...

You will not do better than visit Scam School on Revision3.
http://revision3.com/scamschool/episodes

Brian Brushwood is a creative thinker and genuius ... bringing this site together ... and sharing his findings ...

My favourite being the Scissors, Paper, Stone ...
absolutely fantastic.

Wulfiesmith

"I am like any guy... I need at least 5 minuets to reload..."

I got asked this today - my answer (found somewhere in the Café)

"The magic was free, lessons are $125.00 an hour."

Then I smiled and did something else.

I usually say " I wish I could, but then I wouldn't be able to show you this...", and go into something different.