What do you guys tell Muggles when they ask you about Derren Brown?

As most of us here know that Derren accomplishes his feats with more conventional methods then initially is apparent, I'm at a loss as to what to say to Laymen.

A couple of them really think he's a jedi master (which of course he really is...) =P

I'm just wondering what I should tell Fraggles when they ask me about Derren.

Nathan Pain

It must be nice for me to be from the USA, because none of the Fraggles here know about Derren!

When Kreskin had his weekly show, he was the subject of as much speculation as Derren is in the UK. How did the considerate magician and/or mentalist handle the question? The same way that we handle the question when someone asks us how we do it, ourselves.

I would say, "He is quite amazing. I have no idea how he does it. Maybe he really can read minds. If he can't he certainly makes it look like he can."

Here's something to think about. Nobody but Derren REALLY knows how he does everything. That's a fact. We may have some ideas, but we don't actually know. Does it hurt us in any way to have a fellow like that in the spotlight? No. Does it help us? You bet your bippy. Every successful magician, mentalist or other similar performer creates interest in the layman for that art form. We can ride the crest of the wave of his success.

So, do the same thing that you do when anyone is successful. Tell the layman that you don't know how he did it. After all, he is really good. If they ask, "Can you do that kind of thing?" Then tell them that you have one or two things that you do that are similar. And do the best effect you have.

The layman really doesn't know OOTW from what they see Derren do on the telly. If you can do one or two really good items for the layman, on the spot, then they will like it.

OTOH, if you knock a fellow who is obviously good at what he does -- good enough, in fact, that he has a television show from time to time -- then you will have a negative effect on the layman's perception of you.

A beginner's book on magic I read many years ago had this advice on a similar topic: - What to do when a layperson asks about a trick he's seen another magician do.

Basically the answer is along the lines of smiling, saying you haven't seen them but it sounds very impressive.

Why would you feel the need to do anything otherwise?

Regards,

David.

Great post Bill.

It really made me reconsider. Too often in the past, I've let my ego get in the way and say something along the lines of, 'well I can't really say...'; which even though isn't that bad, isn't that great either.

I'm going to make it a point to follow your lead.

I agree.
I've been thinking about this recently, too. To say something like, "Hmmm, there are a number of ways his effects could be achieved..." removes the wonder to some extent and is therefore detrimental to both you, as a performer, and whoever is being discussed (Derren, in this case).

"He is quite amazing. I have no idea how he does it. Maybe he really can read minds. If he can't he certainly makes it look like he can."
What a great way to put it, Bill. I hope more read your post and follow your lead.
Well done.

Right, this is the last thred on Derren I'm going to look at, there are just too many!!!

H.W

Resurrecting them is alright, then?