Many magicians find it hard to capture the attention of everyone when they perform at tables.

Walking up to a large table of 10 guests can be a daunting prospect. How do magicians hold attention, when there is so much going on? Some magicians find it easy, whilst others find that they engage with the audience close by, but those seated away from the magician don’t stop what they are doing to watch the performance.

In this short video, Dominic Reyes talks about how to focus the attention of all the guests whilst you perform at their table:

Dominic makes sure that he connects with the audience at the far side of the table first. Asking them a question, or instructing them to do something. He then addresses the guests to his left and right. He does this to expand the range of his ‘show’ to the whole table as quickly as possible.

If you approach a table, and only talk to the guests nearest you, it can look as if you are performing just for that side of the table, and the guests seated at the other side may lose interest. People are used to staff approaching a table to talk with those next to them (think how a waiter interacts with the table). You need to establish, right away, that you are presenting to everyone and that the whole table is taking part. Magicians hold attention at a table by engaging with EVERYONE right from the start. Your initial approach to the table should set this up as quickly as possible.