What do you say to ask for applause, when you're met with stunned silence from the spectators. Apart from "Thankyou, it's ok to clap."

Thank you, thank you. No applause is necessary. The stunned looks on your faces is more than enough for me.

First of all, don't ask for applause! Then, if you don't get it, you won't totally look like a fool!

Second, if you finish and are met with silence, say something like, "Yes, the first time I saw this, I was also too stunned to applaud."

Are you talking about close-up, stage work, street work?

During my strolling magic, I almost never get applause, thank God. I try to walk away during the stunned silence. Stunned silence is when they are still in the magical experience. Applause is when they have returned back to being themselves and remembering appropriate responses. Sometimes it's nice to graciously thank your spectators and move on before they have returned to the real world.

Of course stage work and street magic are different.

Re: What do you say to ask for applause, when you're met with stunned silence ...

1) you got the reaction you intended
2) do you want to break the spell?
3) what would you like them to be feeling at the moment?
4) What would you DO differently in routine to help them feel that way?

5) Do you like the Socratic method?

Thank you. You've all given me something to think about, although I'm not sure about the Socratic method. I'm not familiar with that.

I'd say sit back, bask in the glory of silence for as long as you can hold on to it (which Eugene Burger says "is always longer than you think") and appreciate that you've done a good thing. Then when you can't stand it anymore, silently bring your hands together in front of you. Works every time.

Mark

Silence is Golden.