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mndude Special user 879 Posts |
It seems that the most common response that you might get when you mention to someone that you do mentalism is " what am I thinking?"
How do you reply to this? |
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MindO New user 9 Posts |
Well I don't think that you'll recieve any " Response Line" to answer this question. I think that problem lies elsewhere- HOW did you mention about mentalism. This question sounds like challenge so why spectator decided to challenge you?
My advice: "Do not claim directly about YOUR ABILITY. You can divide this advice into two sections : -Focus on effect, not you. For example if you demonstrate telepathy show it as phenomenon , not "your superpower". Kind a theatrical act -Do not claim anything- just do effect . Osterlind does an effect in which specatator is hiding some cards into his pocket "you see I really don't know how it works but I think that card in your pocket is ...." By right personality and presentation you wil avoid "challenges" |
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
I tried it once. I got, what's that?
I've always tried, Can I show you something? |
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Philemon Vanderbeck Inner circle Seattle, WA 4694 Posts |
I have had great luck with the response, "you're thinking that I can't possibly know what you're thinking."
Professor Philemon Vanderbeck
That Creepy Magician "I use my sixth sense to create the illusion of possessing the other five." |
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ipe Special user 513 Posts |
I agree with Philemon. You can start with a semiserious reply as "you're thinking that I can't possibly know what you're thinking", then if you want you can extend it with a brief reading, exploiting his skepticism (talking about his skepticism and his rational mind).
Optional addition: do a straight mind-reading effect with billets: "If you are skeptic about me, I will be skeptic about you. Let us do it rigorously." You don't want he could scam you.
What would a real mindreader do?
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brehaut Inner circle kentucky 2531 Posts |
Since I perform alluding that my effects have to do with the power of suggestion, reading tells, observation, etc. I don't necessarily have to read someone's mind on demand.
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Sean Mann Regular user Essex, UK 159 Posts |
Look them dead in the eye, place your fingers to your temple and reply "Disgusting!"
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Waters. Special user 703 Posts |
Interesting thread. Possibly, it would be better to tell people “it is easier to show you what I do than to tell you.” Now, you have retained control of the dynamic instead of inviting a challenge. If you have a path/paths already carved out, it will feel most natural for them to walk down them. Does that make sense? It also keeps the intrigue/tension focused (read: it keeps them wanting more). I know there are times where a label is necessary, but resisting giving one keeps the mystery alive while dissipating cynicism. This is akin to the JJ Abrams “Mystery Box” principle.
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Yannou Veteran user 381 Posts |
You're thinking that whatever he says I'm thinking, I'll deny it.
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Chris K Inner circle 2544 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 13, 2018, Waters. wrote: Good feedback. One I've used the last few years, and PLEASE share the source as I cannot remember where I learned it, was that I need to establish a relationship in order to do what I do. I don't use that phrasing (as I'm unclear how closely my phrasing is to the original thoughts and I don't want to expose) but that general idea. It then allows me to set the conditions under which I work. Which is quite critical in an obviously close-up venue. Stage work is obviously different. |
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Waters. Special user 703 Posts |
Lemniscate,
The source for the “Mystery Magic Box” is JJ Abrams TED Talk. It is great. On the idea of “showing rather than telling”, I am not sure who first stated this, but it seemed a natural way to progress in an informal setting. Structured, theatrical settings obviously require a bit more information up front. For me, the informal process often starts with an HTP interpretation. It’s a powerful way to begin as it sets you up as an authority on obscure subjects and their is no hidden secret element to conceal. The catch is, you have a compelling and interesting delivery. If this is the case, this is a more powerful way to begin what will hopefully become a fascinating experience. |
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Smoking Camel Inner circle UK 1039 Posts |
Depending on the setting and if there’s time allowing I would jump into Jerome Finley’s thought dial and blow them away.
I no longer smoke camel cigarettes.
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CurtWaltermire Special user Curtis The Mentalist 505 Posts |
How I've replied to this over the last 30 years depends on a huge number of factors such as:
Where am I when being asked this? My response will be different if I'm being asked this immediately after a performance, while dining with friends who introduce me to someone new, sitting in a steam room at the local gym, etc. What situation do I find myself in when I'm being asked this? Walking out the door headed somewhere, having a beer with friends, sitting somewhere in public like a restaurant, etc. What is the apparent motive/attitude/personality behind the person asking? Are they taking me real seriously and "challenging" me? Or do they find it interesting and genuinely want to know? Do they have a great sense of humor and would appreciate more of a clever response than an actual performance? Is the person older, a child, male, female, being flirty, etc. How to I wish to be perceived as a performer? I don't' take myself very seriously, so this is easy for me. I usually go for a response that will make them laugh, yet with always something to perform at-the-ready if I think the situation warrants it. Do I even need to give a direct reply to this question? Sometimes just grinning and walking away while saying "Nice to meet you" or "Take care" or "See you soon" is the perfect response. Especially if the person seems to be confrontational. ...and such like. Regardless of all of the well-thought out responses that anyone feeds you, IMO ultimately you have to choose and craft responses that work best for you as an individual performer.
Curtis Waltermire
Mentalist/Magician/Speaker/Actor/Grandpa/Cool Dad & Above-Average Husband CurtisTheMentalist.com YouTube Channel My Touring Public Show "The Mastermind Show" Check Out My Podcast "The Mastermind Show with Curtis The Mentalist" |
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Senor Fabuloso Inner circle 1243 Posts |
"What am I thinking?" Your thinking and in this day and age, that's a good thing
No matter how many times you say the wrong thing, it will NEVER be right.
If I'm not responding to you? It's because you're a TROLL! |
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aligator Inner circle Canada 2044 Posts |
Ignoring is the best policy during performance.
If after, you can say that no I cannot read your mind but I can, in the right circumstances, empower you with suggestions that will make it seem if a can read your mind. Do you believe in subconscious connections? |
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Tim Cavendish Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 13, 2018, Yannou wrote: Credit to Peter Turner |
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aligator Inner circle Canada 2044 Posts |
Much better to just ignore if it happens during show. Allow a heckler a platform and you encourage not only him but others to further question. If you engage, it could be the beginning of a loss of control and we don't want that.
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Last Laugh Inner circle Grass Valley, California 3498 Posts |
Another related thing that happens more often to me is when I ask someone's name and they say "You tell me".
My Mentalism Podcast:
The Mystery Arts Podcast Check out my products! Direct from me (PW: cassidy) On Penguin Magic |
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aligator Inner circle Canada 2044 Posts |
Do you portray yourself as a mind reader or psychic?
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Ben Blau Inner circle 1475 Posts |
It depends on whether or not I’m in the mood to perform something. If someone asked in a way that suggested they’re genuinely interested, my response would be to perform a mind-reading piece. If it was just a challenge and I can tell it isn’t leading anywhere that I want to be artistically, I have ways of verbally shutting them down, in varying levels of politeness.
Ben Blau
http://www.benblaumentalism.com |
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