For centuries, magic tricks have mystified and entertained people around the world. Magic tricks are a way to socialize with your friends, family and others. Performing them can improve your public speaking skills and even lead to a rewarding hobby or job.
Below are the general steps in learning any magic :
1) Locate a book, video or website on the basics of magic. At the library, the magic section. Most bookstores place them in the hobbies or games categories.
2
Browse the contents until you find a trick that looks interesting to you and uses common items. Examples of common items for basic tricks include playing cards, coins and toothpicks.
3
Follow the instructions as closely as you can, using the necessary objects (props) and reading any supplied lines or wording (patter). Repeat the instructions until you have memorized the movements and patter.
4
Put away the instructions and practice the trick as though you were actually performing it for someone else.
- Practice the trick both while standing and sitting down. Try practicing in front of a mirror, taking note of your movements.
- Make any adjustments necessary in the handling. If it's easier to do the trick with the left hand, rather than the right, try it that way.
- Change the patter if it doesn't suit you. Make up your own story if the instructions don't give you enough patter. Experiment with wording that's conversational, formal, humorous or eliminate the patter altogether and perform in silence, or with music.
5
Perform the trick in front of another person. If possible, do it for a stranger or a casual acquaintance. He will give you the most honest reaction and provide you with hints on how to improve your performance. You can also perform it for family or friends, but keep in mind that their reactions may be biased in your favor, and not as instructive.
6
Write down notes about the spectator's reaction and your own performance once you're finished. Note any stumbling, awkward pauses or other difficulties. Write down any changes that could help you smooth out the rough spots. Improving your presentation is a part of learning magic.
7
Make the changes, rehearse your trick several more times and perform it for a different person.
Tips
- Remember that the impression of the trick and the fun it creates are more important than the secret. Choose a trick based on the enjoyment you get from performing it, rather than the complexity of the secret.
- Spend your time perfecting a few tricks, rather than trying to learn many tricks at once. Professional magicians rehearse, improve and change their tricks many times until they're happy with the results. Sometimes this process takes weeks or even months of tinkering.
- Learning magic tricks is similar to learning a part in a play with a series of acts and scenes. If you discover several tricks that you like, put them together into a routine. Try arranging them in a different order until they begin to flow together. If one trick ends with two coins on the table, see if you can follow it with a trick that begins with two coins. Add patter to help you transition from one trick to the next.
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