Taylor writes:
Hi Dominic! I wanted to definitely mention that your site is amazing as I’ve already downloaded 3 books you offered for free on magic. I’m still a bit of a novice but I really prefer card and up close magic, and I perform in front of friends a lot (already read your help on that by the way). I struggle creating non-awkward patter through my tricks.
Thanks for the kind words about the site. I’m glad it’s helping you. Unless you are performing to complete strangers, a great deal of ‘patter’ can come across as awkward because it seems to the audience that you are changing yourself.
For family and friends, it’s essential that your presentational style is authentic. It has to present a version of YOU that the audience already recognises. It you appear to change into someone else, it’s very difficult for people close to you, to take you seriously. The change in tone and personality shouts ‘fake’ and it pulls them out of the performance.
You need your presentation to be ‘authentic’…natural.. an extension of your real personality.
Imagine you are simply chatting with your family. You would be relaxed, open, and yourself. That’s how you should present your tricks.. If you are performing to family and friends you HAVE to be yourself. They already know and love a version of you, so you can’t change that.
You should still practice a presentation, but it has to be in your everyday style.
That’s one of the big differences between performing socially or commercially. Once you have an audience of the general public, that’s when you can use an alternative persona.
I hope this helps you
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