Uhh not sure if this is the correct section to ask this, but couldn't find any other section. Just wondering what goes through your minds when you are performing magic for others? Do you focus on how the tricks would appear to the audience? Or are thoughts of how to accomplish the tricks the only thoughts in your mind? Or are there any other thoughts flowing through your mind? Just wondering. Feel free to share!! :D

:unsure: I hope this haven't been discussed before. Has it?

Come to think of it, I don't exactly have anything much going through my mind WHILE performing.

However, I do think a lot about magic philosophy and theory when I am not performing. This theory refers to stuff like

and stuff like the style I want to have, the presentation skills, the techniques, effects I want to create, how do the tricks i want to do and create appear and relate to the audience, how to treat hecklers, magic ethics etc and so on.

When performing, I just have fun. Think on the spot. Internalize what you have always thought about (pertaining to magic) and let it be natural so that you can use it as if it's already part of you.

Be flexible. Change your presentation according to the situation. Have a routine, but have an array under your sleeve so that you can pull out a few others.

Example: You HATE mentalism. You prefer sleights and knuckle busting routines that need 8 false deals in one go. Now you meet someone who believes anyone can be a psychic. Are you going to do a gambling routine? Answer: Be ready with Out of This World and make him believe he is truly psychic.

Just have fun. :D don't worry.

usually i'll be thinking about my presentation.. like if at the start i see that they are not buying it then i have to tweak my presentation..

also i'll be thinking about how to to execute the next move at the right time

well thats about it... other then that just perform man.. cant think too much or else you'll look very stiff..

Hmmz. So. Am i right to say that most of the thinking is already done during the practising of the tricks? So there's really nothing much to think about during the performance? Right? :rolleyes:

:off: Yar just wondering. How do you practise self-working tricks? Or tricks that rely more on presentation than on practising. Those with no sleights or anything of that sort involved. Do you get an audience, like your family member to watch the presentation? Or just talk to yourself in the room :blink:

It's like during an exam: Do you study all your notes during the exam itself or beforehand? You should have known your information through your revision; and only think about how to apply the knowledge to the questions in the exam room.

Similarly, you should have done your homework before any performance, be it formal or impromptu. You only have to think about how to change and tweak what you learnt and studied to suit the situation.

:off: And yes, I talk to myself. The amount of times you can perform a certain self working effect to someone in your family is limited. :rolleyes:

:lol: unfotunately my revision usually isn't very well done. More of a last minute type of thing haha. Quite shabby. But. I tink I get your point.

:off: Talking to myself seems weird though haha. Maybe should try it next time. Like what I did in preparation for my project work oral presentation. Yupz. Hope it doesn't feel as stupid now haha.

You shouldnt be thinking much when you perform. The steps of the effect and the words that come out of your mounth (presentation) should flow like liquid; unless you didnt practise ENOUGH. ;)