Here's what I do...since my methods are a little bit on the darker side when it comes to performing..I tend not to joke around alot. Instead if you have someone that is sure they know what you are doing, have them explain your own methods..then change and manipulate the trick so it's different and it directly affects them. This way you show them that they're wrong, and the jokes on them.

You deffinately don't want to prove them wrong or humiliate them- try using a joke that will add to the entertainment factor.

In this case, it was a little knipper (I think I read) that said he knew how it was done- try using a joke that would make the little guy feel good about himself, yet everyone around him, know that his explanation is false- e.g-"Wow! You're too quick for me! Next time I do an effect, don't look so closely otherwise you might catch me out again!" Just make sure the tone of your voice doesn't sound patronising or isulting!

Like I said though my act doesn't at all find room for humour. I don't insult though..instead I find room to astound even my best critics and push room for a true belief in the art of illusion.

As soon as a person says "I know how thats done" I quickly say back to them:

"Oh that's good, please don't tell anyone how I did it then."
Almost in a congratulatory tone of voice

This makes the person feel like they are included and if everyone else dosent have to hear the person keep yelling "I know how its done" then it is worth it.

Why does it matter if one person knows or not. They might be correct, and if they are and can even moderatly explain what is going on then other people may believe this method even if it is not correct.

Never do the trick over to disprove a method.

Use this with adults or children it works everytime I have done it.( At least 20)

sometimes, if they really become an anoyance, you can quickly shut them up with a polite litttle "good, now go home and practice.".

Once a kid on my street came over and wanted to see a magic trick so I told him to pick a card and I would read his mind to figure it out. He did that and I "read his mind" And then he told me how the trick was done. Ofcourse his method was wrong. So I told him to do it and in the middle of it he slapped me in the face??! People these days are just jealous that they dont know something that you do.

Once a kid on my street came over and wanted to see a magic trick so I told him to pick a card and I would read his mind to figure it out. He did that and I "read his mind" And then he told me how the trick was done. Ofcourse his method was wrong. So I told him to do it and in the middle of it he slapped me in the face??! People these days are just jealous that they dont know something that you do.

Man, I'd slap him back sooo hard you wouldnt belive it.

Since most of the time that I perform, its in my shop doing demos... whenever someone says that they already know the trick then I just say "well I guess you dont need to see the next trick then, i bet you already know that one too."

The funny thing about it, is most people that say "I know how you did that!" turn around and buy the trick anyways. They say these things to sound smart around other people when they actually dont know a darn thing.