Think it's time to start a new topic for 2007.

Ok, this isn't anything new but it remains a big problem for some of us. The dreaded H word: Heckler!!

Many solutions has been proposed to try to avoid, outsmart or even convert those hecklers. But usually we are speaking from the magician's point of view. So, as a new mod, I decide to take the risk and go deep inside a heckler's mind and find out the psychology of a heckler for the sake of our community. Naturally, I chose the most difficut one I have ever faced..... my girlfriend.

So I asked her, "How can I make you stop heckling me?"
The below were her answers:

1. Don't appear to be too smart. (Meaning don't give a I-am-more-superior-than-thou attitude)
2. Never practice in front of her. (Sorry, I confess I did a few times in the beginning. But I swear I will never again!!)
3. Never tell her you are going to show her a trick.

Ok, hope it helps!!

I feel hecklers just want attention.

... because of your presence or behavior which made them uncomfortable, imo.

I thought this one is really candid and true. And coming from a layman, it probably sums it up for what is it like from layman perspective.
I think a lot of us has been magicians for too long to remember what is it like to be a layman. And because of the nature of magic ("i know something you don't know"), this is too easy a mistake to make.
End of the day, nobody likes a know-it-all, be it a magician, or any other kind of performer. B)

I totally agree with this. Never let others see when you are practising. The BEST place is to practise in the toilet :D :D

haha,i usually practice late at night so that my sis doesn't see me doing my stuff. Shes my guinea pig.^^

I recently met up with someone and I performed a trick for him. I did the ambitious card with the card to mouth ending. However, I did it completely MUTE. I didn't say a single thing. It was just an experiment.

Guess what he said at the end?

He laughed out loud and said.. " a magician always makes people feel stupid ".

So I said, " I'm here to entertain, nothing else ".

And he said, " yes, I know ". And he laughed it off.

Hmm....

That's not a heckler. That's a job well done.

I suppose this is the thing Blackwing want to share. It might be a reason that prompts heckler-behavior because they don't want to feel stupid.

But I never like the word entertain, it has always been used so freely without any thought.

Hmm.. what's a alternative to entertain?

Yep Icy's right. I wanted to point out the ' magician's always make people feel stupid part '.

That initiates heckler behaviour, and honestly, the experience is no longer magical anymore. I'm just wondering how I can completely avoid bringing up that ( magician's always make people feel stupid ) feeling.

Heckler are people who can help you improve your tricks(agree?). Heckler tend to be very sharp(so be careful). Do a Flourish and that will shut their mouth. :D

Sorry broderick but "flourishing" to heckler? A bit no link man...

Ha.. exactly...

I think he means impressing the heckler with fancy flourishes, so that he might "respect" you or something like that.

If you want to understand how a layman thinks and feels, just catch Huron or Uncle Bob performing.
I know i definitely felt like one.. and it feels great in a way..