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Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Hey everybody!
In 3 weeks I will be performing a short set at a late night show in my home town. It's a live show, not intended for broadcast. First I will do a short performance and then I will get interviewed by the host. My routine is rehearsed and prepared, so that is of no concern. But I also want to prepare for the interview. What are the most likely questions that I (I position myself as a mind reader, not a psychological illusionist nor a psychic) will get? What are common pitfalls when it comes to interviews? Any help, advice or suggestion is greatly appreciated. Greetings, Alex |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
How long have you been doing this?
How did you first realize your abilities? Can you read my mind now?/What am I thinking right now? Keep control of the interview and offer proper answers, and stay away from tricks, magic, etc. Refer to my full list and how to handle and control such interviews in my book Press & Media For Entertainers. Best of luck! |
Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Thank you very much for your advice, Mindpro.
I will think about proper answers to all of these questions. In fact, I already got all of them multiple times from spectators, as probably everybody here has. And I do know what to say if I get asked this, roughly... But this will be a good opportunity to prepare myself as well as I can, also for future interviews like this. I also want to keep magic and tricks out of the talk at all costs. This is sometimes very difficult to do during after-show smalltalk with audience members... of course, I do get people who want their palm read or ask me about my gift.. But sometimes people will still congratulate me on my "magic".... I assume this is because most of them have never seen a mind reader and magicians are their frame of reference. Also, a LOT of magicians use mental effects and people associate mind reading with magic more and more... But I will try my best. |
Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
I remember reading a long while back (perhaps it was John Riggs?) that having a good story about how you got into this can be useful. The author claimed to have been one of three performers interviewed at a big event and he was the only one who didn't talk about being the shy kid who learned card tricks to come out of his shell. He talked about his family history, fortune telling, folk magic, stuff like that. He got most of the article and all the pictures because he was interesting. I have since developed such myself. Not a single word untrue, but emphasizing certain parts of my past that are not related to trickery. It could make good interview filler. If you have story to tell it will be easier to stay in control of the interview.
Also, you may be asked things like is this a gift or something anyone can learn. How did you develop these skills? Any of those questions could easily lead to the story I mention above. -Patrick |
George Hunter Inner circle 2013 Posts |
Alexxander:
Feel free to submit some suggested questions, well ahead of time, to the interviewer. (Sometimes they do not know what to ask.) Make clear that you will be glad to respond to any questions, but you are giving those questions to them in case any of them are useful. Same principle applies if someone is going to do an article on you. Give them a press release. George |
Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Thanks guys, this is great advice.
Actually I didn't even think about just submitting some questions, but it makes perfect sense. |
WooverM Loyal user 285 Posts |
"How do you do it?"
Woover
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Prager Inner circle e-Mentalism.com 1858 Posts |
Basically variations of some of this questions:
How do you do it? Was this something you were born with or learned? How is it to be your wife/partner? How do you take advantage of your abilities in daily life? Can you read my mind now? Can you know the lottery numbers? Answering to some questions something as simple as: "That's a secret" keeps the mystery and interest, don't overexplain, instead show what you can do before. Imply answers while performing. Feel free to PM at anytime for help.
Jose Prager
The man who knows how to amuse and mystify www.e-mentalism.com Secret products for mentalists. |
Dr Spektor Eternal Order Carcanis 10781 Posts |
Mentalist " I knew you were going to ask that!"
"They are lean and athirst!!!!"
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sbays Inner circle Burbank, CA 1065 Posts |
Another fairly common question that comes up is: "So what is the difference between Mentalism (Mind reading, what you do etc) and magic?" It's good to be prepared.
"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 30, 2016, sbays wrote: I don't think that question would ever come up. I think they would just press to see demonstrations. |
sbays Inner circle Burbank, CA 1065 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 30, 2016, John C wrote: It does come up. Go watch some youtube videos of mentalists on talk shows etc. It is fairly common. For the sake of the conversation, here is just one of many examples of this question being asked. Remember, we know the difference, they typically do not. And this question is a logical one to ask. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4dULASjEp0
"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
That was a good clip, Sbays. I do wonder how often a mentalist submits it as a suggested question. It is potentially a good question. I like to answer it as a magician performs the apparently physically impossible, such as items vanishing, levitating, passing through one another. A mentalist demonstrates the amazing potential of the human mind.
-Patrick |
sbays Inner circle Burbank, CA 1065 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 30, 2016, Mr. Woolery wrote: Some could be submitted. But I have also seen many where they were clearly unprepared for it. The point ... It sure couldn't hurt to be ready for it.
"Opportunity may only knock once, but temptation leans on the doorbell."
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
Good clip of oz. Problem is now there will be hundreds of identical answers to this question. Hahaha
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Alexxander Elite user Frankfurt, Germany 423 Posts |
Today was the day of the show/ interview, and it actually went well!
I managed to convince the host to ask the questions I sent him beforehand. One question was "What is the difference between magic and the stuff that you do?, which gave me the chance to position myself clearly. Thanks to everyone for your advice, it's very appreciated! Also, that was my very first performance in english, I normally perform in german! So I guess, a valuable learning experience. |
E.E. Inner circle Look mom, I have 1533 Posts |
Congratulations!!
I'd love the watch a video of the interview/performance if possible, Alexxander!
Professional mentalist and digital artist for mystery performers. check out my work at www.facebook.com/EverElizaldeArtStudio
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rev_marcus New user Just getting started with 95 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 20, 2016, E.E. wrote: congratulations Alexxander! Was this a live show or set to air at a different date, I would also like to see this. |
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