As one starts up in magic, very often we tend to find some one to emulate.
And as they say, Imitation is the best form of flattery.
But after some time, i realize that i need to find our own 'style'.
Beyond just performing tricks, its the persona style that defines the magician.
Some have even come to me saying that i have too much of so-n-so.

How can one find the persona, style etc. ?
Just wanted to find out how some of you find your style ??

Many of us watch DVDs, they are easy, and fast to learn from. But at the end of the day, we tend to just follow them, in terms of their posture, patters and sometimes, even their speaking tones.

I've seen magicians who performed routines exactly the same way as seen in the DVD. Some just fall flat when they try to copy their style. This is all about one's personalty.

If you learn from a book, you'll find yourself very different from others as there is no one to emulate from. Some good stuffs are hidden in books. Try and learn from books and you'll find the real you.

I personally agree with Magicdow!

you can only practice so much at home. But if you were to perform in public, alot of other stuff kicks in - Adrenaline for one.

Your hands will shiver, your tongue will get tongue-tied, you miss a step, you forget your patter.

Thus, the more you perform in public, the more exposure you get, the more times you get caught, you will definitely but slowly find your own "style".

But, this is alot easier said than done!

Hope this helps!

dry_gin

The secret to find your own style is: ALWAYS BE YOURSELF & BE NATURAL"

Uncle Bob

I think you need to do a lot of thinking and reflection, start off by picking effects that are "you", that suits your personality. If you have a serious personality, I don't think you will pull off a comedy effect naturally.

Then keep performing and slowly, your personality will transcend your effects. I find that it helps not to have a totally worded script but just to remember key phrases, otherwise it sounds unnatural and insincere. Be conversational, and you will be yourself.

How bout reading "Magic And Showmanship" by Henning Nelms or "Strong Magic" by Darwin Ortiz? There are plenty of ideas to help you...

One thing you should consider who your audience. If it is mainly friends and family, then being yourself and natural is the best way to go. You might have to raise yourself one level if you are naturally shy or soft spoken. But your mannerisms or speaking style should be you.

However, if you perform for strangers, then you can think of a stage character that you like. Attend a drama of acting class to see how to build and play the role of a character. Chris Carey has two books on"Finding the Stuff" that's you. They are hard to find but out there!

Another thing to play with your strengths and hide your weaknesses. If you do not have the gift of the gab, avoid long drawn mentalism pieces that need good communication and presentation. Go for visual, quick effects.

Definitely. I tried last time performing to my friends and they told me... i seemed to suddenly transformed and they didn't 'recognise' me anymore when i was doing magic. then i understood that we have to be ourselves more when performing to people familiar to us.

Being 'non-closet' and i guess just taking all chances to perform magic will make a person grow a lot more in terms of 'finding the performing persona' than just talking about it...