I have to give a demonstration speech for a public speaking college class and I was wondering on your opinions on if doing a demonstration speech where I teach the class a simple rubber band trick I had created is ethically wrong in terms of magic?

If you created it, it really doesn't hurt anybody but you. Often times magicians teach simple "public domain" tricks like a TT vanish or something of that sort. I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but it'd be kind of hard to fool anyone who heard your explanation of it again. Just make sure the effect is totally original.

I've been teaching school kids as a teacher and will occasionally teach them magic tricks. The tricks i teach them are all very old-school classic or public domain tricks. Such as the paddle move or simple self working card tricks such as a 4 ace one or that 21 card trick. Very basic stuff.

When i chose what i am going to teach, i make sure of the following.

- Its not a marketed trick
- They will be able to do the trick after i teach them. (ie doesn't require purchasing something or hard sleight of hand)
- The trick I'm teaching them is something that a paid professional magician is unlikely to perform at a paid show.
- Has it been revealed already? some tv shows have aired things like "learn a trick" or been shown somehow on tv.

^ What he said. ^

Thanks for the advice guys...I may teach a basic french drop because it seems to be overly exposed,easy to teach, and I believe they can do it after learning for 5 minutes. (my rubber band trick doesn't have the Wow factor)

I wouldnt teach the french drop (not that you shouldnt). Only because i use the move all the time i dont want to expose it. I'd teach something like that Cup thru table trick that u cover with a sheet of paper.

u can teach french drop; its practically the most exposed coin move their is

It may be an easy sleight, but it can look beautiful and be incredibly deceiving if done correctly. I'm not against teaching the French Drop, but I'd prefer effects that have extremely little sleight of hand. Salt shaker through the table/desk may be better, as no real sleight of hand is being used. Of course I have no idea if anyone is using this in their show.

-ArchAngel_G

I have been doing magic for a long time and I haven't run into anyone that knows the french drop, or uses it other than magicians or people wanting to do a little magic. So I don't know how it would be overexposed, it is probably the most used slight but I don't know. And like was said, if done properly people have no Idea that you have done the french drop, and if they do suspect the french drop it should be dispelled in the presentation.