Hello, new to the cafe! Just wondering if anyone has purchased this book and if so what are their views?
(sorry if this is already a topic, I did a search and could not find it anywhere)

Overall, I really enjoyed it. Osterlind is a great thinker and teacher and this release is all about the words we use and how we can use them to effectively accomplish what we set out to do with our performances and avoid any problems that may arise through poor choice of words. Sometimes it's not the material selection or skill of the performer that makes or breaks the experience, it's the words they use.

In this release, Osterlind covers some very key topics like explaining what mentalism is so that you can confidently talk about what you do and perform in an effective way that doesn't encourage skepticism. He talks about use of words in procedure and how we can keep things fair and avoid things being questioned with instructions etc. Then he discusses use of words with props and how to handle things when you introduce a prop and have a piece revolving around some prop. Use of words with participants and audience are also explored, and he makes useful points that he's learned through experience when talking to participants and managing an audience and making the most out of your time with them to build a solid overall experience instead of a weak show. Finally, he ends with some miscellaneous words discussing a few other things like making disclaimers and routining so that performances flow well.

I'd recommend it for sure if that's what you're looking for. If you haven't already read his Principles of mentalism then I'd recommend that too as that was full of even more information and topics

That sounds great! Guess I’ll have to get his principles of mentalism too… It’s nice he has written something regarding the words mentalists use. Literature on this topic seems less prevalent in the market.

I will give it a read and post my thoughts when I get the chance! Many thanks for the reply!

Just finished Words!

Really interesting read to be fair! It was nice Richard included some character theory in there too.

Some really practical advice on keeping a show running smoothly as well as how to choose the appropriate words when performing.
It is short but punchy and practical. I think the benefit of a booklet like this is how it is inviting enough to read over and over.
Definitely recommend and thank you @sunrize for the input!

Of course. I did notice that it wasn't too lengthy but the teaching was great and Osterlind really covered all he intended to within there so that's not a problem. It really gets you thinking that some of our biggest faults or strong points aren't just down to methodology which we are always chasing but more so how we word and script things and how our words can change the whole perception of a routine and a show. I'm sure you'll enjoy Principles of mentalism too if you ever get around to it, there's great theory in there too