Magicians Testimonials – Creating Fake Audience Feedback or Reviews

We received this question about using actors in magicians testimonials:

I have a question about video testimonials. I've been collecting some, but even when people are enthusiastic, some just don't come across very well. Do you think it would be acceptable to hire someone to record the same testimonial that was given by an actual person without saying that it's a paid testimonial (which would sort of defeat the purpose) ?

Don't fake customer testimonials.

People WILL spot that something is fake. Remember how hard it is, even for professional actors to pretend to be members of the public. It always has a scripted feel, and you sense that the person is an actor or stooge. It's easy to spot fake enthusiasm. Faking testimonials that just use actor to deliver them can still ruin trust. An acted magicians audience testimonial may still be seen as 'fake' even when you keep the true feedback content unedited. The goal of testimonials is to create trust and 'social proof' about your services.

Raw and real customer testimonials.

The best testimonials look raw, real and unedited. They may not look professionally produced, but they meet the goal of the testimonial perfectly. Real people, saying how awesome you are, or that they were fooled by your magic tricks. A client is interested in real people's reactions, so even 'home made' quality footage appears authentic.

There's nothing to stop you asking a friend or even another spectator to film some feedback on your smartphone video camera. The venue is a live event, so it's even better when it looks like the place is buzzing, noisy, and full of energy.

Swearing.

Although you shouldn't edit a spectators feedback, it's fine to bleep out swearing, or blur out anything inappropriate in the footage. Even though you may be an adult entertainer, you should still be considerate of everyone what is viewing the footage.

If you really need to change the footage.

Sometimes the footage may be too poor quality to use. Perhaps the audio failed or the footage when totally out of focus. If the magicians testimonials are so good that you really want to include them, convert the testimonials to text and show a picture or screen grab of the person next to it.

Collecting magicians testimonials is one of the most effective forms of marketing a magician can use. There's no need to worry about low quality footage as long as it's genuine and represents your services well.

How to Be Yourself as a Magician – Dominic Reyes Video

by Dominic Reyes 3 Comments

The Merchant of Magic Team are often asked questions about how to create a performing persona as a magician. Many magicians that have yet to perform their magic tricks to an audience worry about how to present themselves in an entertaining way.

Dominic Reyes has recorded a short video, in which he talks about how to present yourself in an authentic way, yet maintain a professional and entertaining persona as a magician:

4 Quick Tips on how to be yourself when you perform as a magician:

1) Most magicians, unless they have a specific character that dictates their performance, just need to be themselves. An energetic, happy, and enthusiastic version of yourself.

2) Try to avoid stock jokes and one liners, they usually come across as fake, unless they have been cleverly built into your presentation in a way that perfectly matches your personality.

3) Assume that the group of spectators already loves magic, and can't wait to see you perform. Appraoch with a sence of fun an excitment about the magic you are about to show them.

4) Remember that a close up magic presentation is really a conversation. Your smiles and eye contact are just as important as the magic trick you are showing. People want an interaction with someone they like, far more than the trick itself. Your personality needs to be authentic, so it feels genuine. It's very easy to spot a fake persona.

6 Things Magicians Should Never do When They Meet a Close Up Magician

by Merchant of Magic 4 Comments

By Dominic Reyes

We’ve all been there; we go to a party, dinner, or just out for a drink, and find there’s a close up magician performing at the venue. When this happens, we can’t help but want to check the performer out.

Here’s 6 things NOT TO DO:

1) Hey, I’m also a close up magician, let me show you.

If a magician is performing, let them be the star of the show. It’s their gig, and their livelihood. You may have a strong urge to let everyone know that you are a magician as well, but that’s bad form. Resist the temptation to start showing people magic tricks, even if some of the guests that know you, ask to see a trick. Instead, do what you can to build interest in the ‘official’ magician. Explain to your friends that the magician will visit their table, or if it’s walk-around that it’s OK for them to go over and join the group watching the magic.

2) Yes, yes, of course I know how that’s done.

As a close up magician, you should understand better than anyone that magic isn’t really a puzzle. There aren’t prizes for knowing how the magic trick is done. In fact, that knowledge is the opposite of a prize because it robs you of the magical event. Even if another magician is doing very basic tricks, act as if you find it wonderful, and that the magician is very skilled. Nobody likes a ‘know it all’. Trying to let everyone know that ‘you are just as clever’ as the magician, comes across as jealousy.

3) They should have booked me.

Some of your friends or family may become protective of you. After all, they know how much you love magic. It’s quite common to hear them say something like:

‘wow; you are so much better than that magician, you should be doing this…’

Take note of these comments, but don’t feel cheated that another magician got the gig. They put in the work, got the lead, took the booking and all the other steps required to be there. It’s their gig, and they deserve it.

4) You could try this instead.

Close up magicians love to learn new magic, and just like you, the performer probably enjoys learning tips from other magicians. However, at their gig, is not the time to try to teach them a new variation of the trick you just saw them perform. If you find a moment once they have stopped working, it’s fine to introduce yourself and suggest a ‘session’ later. Resist the temptation to give them advice in public, they are busy working and won’t thank you for it.

5) This venue hires magicians!

If you see a magician performing, It’s not a signal that the venue is up for grabs, and you can start pitching your services to the management. The working circuit of magicians has distinct areas, where most magicians know each other. Trying to undermine another magicians regular work for a venue, can get you a very bad name in that area. Many magicians have long term relationships with venues, and may be told that you tried to take over the residency. Close up magicians often pass on work to other magicians and speak with agents, so it’s vital that you are seen as trustworthy. Gaining a new venue at the expense of another magician is a very short term win. In the long run, it will do more harm than good.

6) I’ll act cool, cold and indifferent like a pro.

Close up magicians are usually the worst audience for magic. If you have ever been to a magic show or lecture in a magic club, you will have experienced this first hand. Magicians don’t like to appear to be fooled. While the public freaks out, magicians in the audience simply nod wisely. It’s as if admitting that they don’t know how the trick was done is some kind of failing. If you find yourself watching another magician, let go, drop your ego and just have fun. Put yourself into spectator mode and react like everyone else. Magic isn’t a competition, and being entertained is not a sign of weakness.

Relax!

React and drop the attitude. By allowing yourself to be entertained, you help the close up magician, you make it more fun for everyone else, and you come across far better than someone who may have a superiority complex.

Turn yourself into spectator mode and react like everyone else. Magic isn’t a competition, and being entertained is not a sign of weakness.