Matthew asks: How do I prove I am the best magician in school?

We recently had this question come in from one of our customers and it raised a great point for us. Due to the increase in the popularity of magic, students are likely to encounter other people at school that also study the art of magic. What should you do if this situation arises?

I think it is very important to consider why you are asking this question. There really is no way to prove you are the best. However:

Your thoughts shouldn't be about how you can be the best magician,

it should be on how to give the best possible experience to someone else.

If you concentrate on making sure you are personable, friendly, non egotistical, and you also practice hard, everything will fall into place. It will become known that you are skilled in all aspects of performing, and presenting magic. You will be able to give your spectators the best experience, and as a result, you won't have to feel like you have something to prove.

School can be competitive. Try not to get sucked into the 'I'm better than you game'. Rise above comments like this. Concentrate on what you are doing, and what you love. It doesn't matter what they think, just keep giving, and respect will fall your way.

Everyone is different.

It is up to the audience to decide whom they like, and people's opinions are different. Some people like chalk, and some people like cheese, it is the way of the world. You cannot please everyone, so even if someone prefers another magician at school over you it doesn't matter. There are billions of people in the world, so there are many more you can please!

What to say.

I understand that this can be a tough situation, but the best thing you can do for you and your magic, is to not get bogged down with it. If someone says they are better than you, simply say, 'ok, that's good!' if it doesn't rattle you, or bother you, then there is no ammo for them anymore . They will realise they are not in a race or competition with you.

If someone says 'so and so is better than you' just say, 'that's cool, they practice lots, I'll keep going though!' Statements like that pop their bubble and there is nowhere for them to go. People only make statements like that to get a reaction, and if it doesn't bother you then they realise they cannot affect you. They may even respect you more for remaining kind about the other person.

The best piece of advice I can give you is to stay true to yourself. Keep practicing your magic. Focus on what you love (even if it isn't magic), and don't worry about other people and what they are doing. Build a magic act with magic tricks that work well together, and focus on your own development. You will soon see that it really doesn't matter who is the best magician.