I've been noticing this recently with many ads and demos, so may tricks that involve a lot of talking, or storytelling, or explanation. It almost feels like they're intended as one-off presentations, rather than being part of a show or an act. Somehow I can't imagine a magic show or act where there's more talking than magic.

Any thoughts? Is this just a new trend?

I have noticed this for the past 10-15 years when the mentalism boom was happening, I think the mentalism part of the magic community is the greatest offender of this. I attribute it to most magic mentalists attempts of having some kind of legitimate premise and what they think is a believable backstory. Then, I started seeing this in other aspects of magic too, especially stage and parlor.

Glad I'm not alone in noticing this. Things are even longer in Youtube reviews of tricks and releases too.

For me, it’s not about talking… just exposition. If every word moves the plot forward and helps to create a false memory of the intended effect, it’s ok. It’s all about editing down to the most elegant language choices needed to accomplish what is needed. It seems to me that the other issue isn’t necessarily the talking but excessive procedure.

You may be absolutely right.

I don’t mind the talking.

I mind the self indulgent prattling on for no reason.

If it gets things moving concisely I’m all for it. Talking for the sake of talking is bad for most art.

What are they saying and why? For that matter how? Tell someone to have a nice day has a COMPLETELY different feel that telling them to enjoy the next 24 hours. Brevity and all that, Shakespeare was correct that many years ago.

I haven't really noticed this trend but it may be that I'm not watching the right performances (or it just may be the fact that I'm a talker myself).

Some performers can be entertaining with a higher talk-to-magic ratio; unfortunately, I'm not one of them. Most of those performers with which I'm familiar have been comedians (such as the Amazing Johnathan), but Ricky Jay is one exception to that rule.