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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
The reason I close my act with an apparent feat of skill (Card Memory) rather than a powerful thought revelation is simply because the former almost automatically get's the applause and, often, a standing ovation.
People are conditioned to applaud for feats of skill. (That's why I get thrown off when magicians in an audience applaud a switch or other move that the rest of the audience hasn't even noticed. ) You can, however, get almost automatic applause with thought revelations or predictions by doing a rapid fire series of them. The key is to make it seem as difficult as it is impossible. Then do it at a rapidly building pace. And it helps to get excited yourself if you want an audience to get excited as well. |
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
I've seen many oblivious performers who don't realize that stunned silence doesn't always indicate amazement.
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Scott Soloff Special user Philadelphia, PA 960 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 31, 2014, mastermindreader wrote: !!!! S
'Curiouser and curiouser."
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
I've often thought the same thing. Why don't mentalists get EXCITED when their predictions/revelations turn out to be right? The guys who smugly make their reveal are throwing away something that can be very valuable.
I always react in some way. Part of the "hook" for many Mentalism routines is the possibility that the performer will miss...or that he's having to work hard to get the answer. It's basic theatrical tension. Each right prediction or answer is a victory. Of course you don't celebrate' each one with wild excitement. That would get silly. But think about it: if you were actually doing this...wouldn't every right answer be something that at least causes some kind of reaction? I will usually react very positively -- particularly when I have a lower key volunteer. I have to. What is applause? It's a response to something impressive, something exciting...something that merits special notice or acknowledgment. If the audience member isn't reacting with excitement, the performer needs to do it...because that's what the audience feeds off of. Try this sometime: when the audience is already applauding you for something, add your excitement to it and watch. They'll applaud louder and faster. Excitement breeds more excitement. It's a human dynamic. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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Martin Pulman Inner circle London 3399 Posts |
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On Nov 1, 2014, David Thiel wrote: Uri Geller always reacted with extreme excitement when his "demonstrations" hit. It seemed to work for him! |
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10795 Posts |
Man is David right!
At the Halloween strolling party I was at last night I did Cataclysm among other things and I always try to get the excitement built for the final photographic reveal... and I start clapping and jumping and doing a "woo-hoo" at that final reveal, which I let one of the spectators make with turning the final card over. It serves multiple purposes (as David said): It builds tension (I might miss the last one, but wouldn't it be cool if it does match) - It amplifies the audiences reactions - and it also gets the attention of everyone in that room. That means that the next group I approach in many cases is literally dragging me to show them something. In sales this is known as a warm lead - and those kinds of audience reactions where everyone gets a little loud and is obviously having fun makes my strolling through the evening progressively easier. The same lessons of course apply to stage or Parlour - but use your applause bullets wisely and selectively. I also very much like David's ideas about missing and coming back. I rarely do it, but it reminds me I need to do it more to add the texture and tension that makes for a better show
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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Scott Soloff Special user Philadelphia, PA 960 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 1, 2014, Martin Pulman wrote: You're right, it worked very well for Uri. I don't care for it and wouldn't use it myself, but it works. Best, Scott
'Curiouser and curiouser."
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Cervier Inner circle France 1274 Posts |
I am excited before a reveal. Well, nervous, unsure, tense, exepecting or whatever. Then I can display relief, joy and pride!
But I'd never thought of doing it to get applauses. My reason is presentation, believability, buildig up tension the audience will feel too, etc.(*) I see it as acting -but you're right, it probably helps a lot to get applauses, especially when bow you after a difficult feat... (*)"Magic and showmanship" by Henning Nelms. It's all in there. I remember he deals with applauses too. .
"A friend is someone who know you well but loves you anyway" H. Lauwick
The Lynx Deck, http://jmmaries.free.fr/cervier/ Grapheeteez, on GooglePlay Telemos the peek envelope, on SkywardMagic Telemos en Francais sur TheMysteryStore |
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landmark Inner circle within a triangle 5194 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 31, 2014, mastermindreader wrote: Bob, your writings on the selection of the final effect are some of the most valuable things I've ever learned about mentalism. The times that I do a mentalism show, I always follow your advice about it. Thanks.
Click here to get Gerald Deutsch's Perverse Magic: The First Sixteen Years
All proceeds to Open Heart Magic charity. |
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
There is no doubt about it .. When YOU get excited they are affected in a much better way. I watched the emotional waves of my performance last night rise and fall with the energy exerted and the compliance that resulted.
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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jaymeswhite1219 New user 54 Posts |
If you look excited they will react big. It shows how much you are having fun which translates into them having fun.
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Stu Montgomery Veteran user St Petersburg FL 354 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 31, 2014, saysold1 wrote: Agreed! The final effect should be designed and performed to obtain a real (and genuine) prolonged applause...to a standing ovation. Derren Brown knows exactly how to build to this...including "false" performance endings...milking the audience for every bit he can. A master of audience management.
"Round about what is, lies a whole mysterious world of might be" Longfellow.
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russellajallen Regular user 108 Posts |
I had a situation at my last show (I've not done many anyway) where I had applause for my opening effect, and the next effect, which were both, in my opinion, pretty good, but not as strong as what followed a little later.
I effectively told a lady in the audience about a christmas present she was thinking of, who bought it her and why she liked it etc. I thought to myself *this looks incredible* but once concluding they all seemed slightly underwhelmed, less of an enthusiastic responce. As I did it I felt the room change, now that was either the room going "bloody hell that was good" (as up to this point my tricks were quite light hearted) or I didn't build it up enough. I guess I'll never know. Someone filmed it for me but I can't tell - I've got it on youtube, but kept it private, as there's an effect in there I don't want particular people seeing, as I may do it again. I'd have prefered huge applause though, obviously... |
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C.J. Inner circle There's a lotta rambling in my 2366 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 4, 2014, russellajallen wrote: There are a couple of us here who might be able to have a look and help you answer the question. Some of the members who are passionate about stagecraft have already spoken up in this thread - some of these people will have a good idea just from watching whether the lack of applause you received was a presentational issue. Why not pass the link to a couple of people via a Private Message and see what they say? Of course, I should warn you that some members can be painfully honest when helping out newcomers to the forum, so only do it if you're willing to risk being given some blunt feedback.
Connor Jacobs - The Thought Sculptor
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur Be fondly remembered. |
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Slim King Eternal Order Orlando 18012 Posts |
Applause and how to get it ... I'm reading this book ... Anyone else?
THE MAN THE SKEPTICS REFUSE TO TEST FOR ONE MILLION DOLLARS.. The Worlds Foremost Authority on Houdini's Life after Death.....
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russellajallen Regular user 108 Posts |
C.J I may do that actually. Who would you suggest I message? To be fair it's my first attempt at that kind of stuff and only my 2nd show so I would expect harsh critique. I'll just double check the vid myself and make it public for a while atleast whilst I get feedback
Thanks |
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10795 Posts |
I would be willing to watch.
If it is only your 2nd show it is pretty safe to assume you are still in a learning phase. What you think you put out may not always be what the audience perceives. Have you read Bob Cassidy's newest book (Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy Volume 2)? Lots of VERY good ideas in it for stage effectiveness. Highest recommendation. http://www.penguinmagic.com/p/3810
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10795 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 5, 2014, russellajallen wrote: Thanks for sharing your video. I provided an extremely detailed analysis and I hope it helps. The main concept here is to learn the stagecraft. Just because the effects "work" is meaningless to the audience - the audience wants to be entertained. Maybe read some of the books I suggested along with taking an acting class or two. Good luck. BRETT
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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russellajallen Regular user 108 Posts |
Appreciate all your words Brett, I think overall people enjoyed it, but totally agree with all your comments. Like I said, despite many people's good comments on the night (one woman asked for a card as she might use me) I felt deflated after the show and knew some stuff just didn't work.
On a positive note, how else will I know without trying gigs like this. I'm still learning and reading and watching what I can - I need to begin by managing the nerves I think. I'll try and perform when and where I can, and try the books you've suggested - altough a little out my budget at the moment. Thanks for comments once again! Russell |
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10795 Posts |
Buy one book or ask for a used one here on the Café - lots floating around. They are an investment as important as an effect you buy.
I wish you much success and don't feel like that show or any show was a deflation - you had the opportunity to try things with real people (and get paid perhaps) and learn. My first shows were nowhere near where they are now, and I am STILL learning and still not where I want to be. There are many here at the Café that you can learn from too. Like I said though, put less importance on the execution of the effects and more on audience interaction, some scripting, filling in dead time, etc. Good luck and I'm sure others here will chime in to help if they can.
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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