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jo Regular user 177 Posts |
Following on my last question on this forum: "Why Mentalism?" I'd like to ask the following:
Do you claim any (psychic) powers during performance? Do you make no claim and rather leave it to the audience to decide? Do you use a disclaimer and specify entertainment value? Do you use "the 5 senses to create the illusion of a 6th?" (i.e.) What approach do you use? Consider this part two of my poll. And if you would rather PM me your response, please feel free to do so. I am heading in a particular direction with these questions, and value your honesty and input. Thanks Jo |
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ALEXANDRE Inner circle 3024 Posts |
I make no claim and when appropriate I use a disclaimer, though not always because I find that certain groups like the illusion of it being real and by using a disclaimer all the time I ruin that temporary fantasy. But I never mislead and when asked, I never claim psychic powers and say it's all for the joy of entertainment.
:comply:
HERE'S A SECRET ...
http://www.lybrary.com/mystic-alexandre-m-354.html |
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jo Regular user 177 Posts |
Thanks Alexandre.
I use the same approach in my shows, largely based on Chuck Hickock's approach to the entertainment aspect. But in addition, when pushed about 'contacting the other side' (which I DON'T do), I resort to saying that I can accomplish the same thing, if they want, using trickery. End of story. This at least plants the seed of doubt in the spectator's mind regarding other "psychic's" claims of "doing the real thing". Jo |
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Mark Rough Inner circle Ivy, Virginia 2110 Posts |
I don't claim or disclaim any powers. When asked I simply turn it back on the person by saying "What do you think?"
Look, this is entertainment. People "usually" show up knowing that's the deal. Occassionally there's someone who is living on a different plane of existance who insists that I'm using supernatural powers. Generally, I find a way to get away from them very quickly. Mark
What would Wavy do?
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Anabelle Special user 951 Posts |
I say it's all in fun when asked, but I usually don't say anything about it unless I see someone is really freaked out and is being badly affected by it. Maybe I should say more, I don't know, I imagine most people think it's entertainment and don't give it too much thought after the routine is over.
Anabelle |
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Kenn Capman Regular user Southwestern Michigan 196 Posts |
I've taken a clue from Mr. Dunninger and simply make myself unavailable after the show.
Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies. (or at least any MORE lies)
"The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents."
- Salvador Dali - |
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Scott Xavier Inner circle 3672 Posts |
Are you saying, some fake this gift?
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jo Regular user 177 Posts |
Dr Z...
Anabelle, very nice avatar once again. (Is THAT real?) Mark, you'll be surprised at the fact that many 'show up' expecting more than just entertainment sometimes... and you're right - THAT is scary! And lets not even mention what people are willing (or rather wanting) to believe when you're performing in a strolling situation. Kenn, if I may... you may be missing some good opportunities for 'selling' more shows and perfromances. Interesting approaches none the less. And I've always liked Larry Becker's approach on Mental Masterpieces (altho he did say it didn't originate with him...): "I'm going to use the five senses to create the illusion of a sixth"; or, as in some Café members' minds "I'm going to use the six senses to create the illusion of a seventh". Jo |
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Kenn Capman Regular user Southwestern Michigan 196 Posts |
Jo,
Thanks for your concern, but I have that base covered by using assistants/"security" to do the business card swapping and apologetics. I also tend to encourage clients to have their 'meet & greet' sessions/mixers BEFORE the show. I know this system will not work for everyone but it's worked for me. Think of it as selling the sizzle, not the steak.
"The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents."
- Salvador Dali - |
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Thoughtreader Inner circle Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1565 Posts |
"Everything I do can be done by anyone that wishes to study it and practice with it, the same way as I can teach you to juggle in 5 minutes BUT if you want to make it look as if you can effortlessly keep 5 balls in mid air, that takes extensive pratice and years of it."
That is what I tell them, and do so about "readings" too, which is all true. I also tell them that "I only use my powers for good". ;-) PSIncerely Yours, Paul Alberstat |
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Scott Xavier Inner circle 3672 Posts |
I always liked Dunninger's "Any child can do what I do, with 20 years of practise..." paraphrased sorry for any misquoting.
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dpe666 Inner circle 2895 Posts |
I make no claims as to supernatural powers. I let the audience decide, but I emphasize that what I am doing are "demonstrations of psychological phenomenon". If people want to think that what I do is REAL, then who cares? Let them think what they want.
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Lamberto New user The Netherlands 99 Posts |
I say, and think it's Banachek quote:
I'm not going to tell you that what you're going to see is real but, I'm also NOT going to tell you it's NOT real. It's up to you. |
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ELS Regular user Chicagoland area, IL 191 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-09-23 17:49, Lamberto wrote: I agree! Ed
Were the border between the natural and the supernatural will be nothing any more but fuzzy. http://edwardshanahan.com
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jo Regular user 177 Posts |
Some really good approaches here. Like one for every season.
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Scott Xavier Inner circle 3672 Posts |
I get at least 3 people a week asking me how I have developed my PK to such a degree that I have learned to move objects, or what have you.
I think it's funny, because anyone who knows me, knows that I take every step to portray this as not being supernatural. I guess this leaves me open to the assumption that anyone can do it, but they can. |
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Luis Sirgado New user Portugal 90 Posts |
When I do something in the area of mentalism I never tell to the audience that I have physic powers, because if I tell that I´m sure they will ask if I can predict future of them or something like that.
"One of the greatest accomplishments of magicians in the last century is the ability to take something inherently profound and render it trivial."
-Max Maven- |
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El_Lamo Special user Canada 589 Posts |
Some people want to believe.
It seems to me to be wrong if my entertainment helps to solidify false beliefs, especially if it could cause future harm or encourage them to be more susceptible to other less scrupulous "entertainers". So, I would always want to tell others. Yes. That was neat, wasn't it. But it really isn't a special power, just learning. I can't say how others do it or claim to do it. I just want to entertain you. Did you enjoy the show? Great. Tonight was just for your entertainment.
Life is a system of circumstance presented coincidently in an illusory way.
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cubreporter New user Las Vegas 69 Posts |
This can be a volitale topic to some, but I never give a disclaimer. My set up is different, but I would rather not tip it.
I do not even make the claim that I "Do not make any claim"! If people want to believe, you can have a hard time convincing them otherwise. Of course they know the evening is about entertainment, you were hired for that purpose. Yes, people may be mislead with the wrong approach, but then again why kill the mystery of what you are going to do by giving a disclaimer in the beginning? Doesn't this negate the inherent power of the performance? I believe it does. You are an entertainer. Entertain without getting stuck in what I call "Magician Thinking".
I am whatever I am to you.
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Kenn Capman Regular user Southwestern Michigan 196 Posts |
Some people will believe, against all argument, that the Hippity Hop Rabbits are proof of paranormal abilities.
If you perform this type of magic you assume certain risks inherent to this side of the street. That's just the way it is. Psychic/Bizarre magic is a touchy area. The vast majority of people seem to know reality from unreality. But there are those few who think Nickles to Dimes is a work of the devil. Gotta love 'em. As long as they book shows.
"The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents."
- Salvador Dali - |
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