MagicFTW wrote:
Isn't it common to see audience wanting to examine this and that? If you could restore a newspaper they might think the newspaper is gimmicked, and not magical anymore.
A lot of that depends on your presentation, and performance style along with your audience management abilities.
For example, if you come off as a wise guy, the audience will not only not like you, but suddenly what your doing isn't "magic", but rather puzzles. Puzzles are meant to be SOLVED! Therefore the audience will be more apt to try to solve the puzzle, rather than be ENTERTAINED by the effect. In other words, if you come off as cocky, abrasive and confrontational, your audience will believe that you feel yourself superior because you know something that they don't. People don't like to feel as if they are stupid. Therefore, they will take the offensive....not good!
You must get the audience on your side from the start, then they will be more receptive, and willing to take you at your word, thus eliminating suspicion of you and your magic. This makes for a much smoother performance for you, and an enjoyable magic experience for your audience.
The way I do this is to have a friendly, non-confrontational manner. I also make myself the object of a joke or two in the beginning of my show. This helps to relax the audience, and to show them that I don't take myself too seriously. That way, I come off as a "regular" guy, and that this magic stuff just kind of happens when I'm around.
Your presentation has a lot to do with having the audience take you at your word. What I mean by that is if your patter is littered with stammers and stutters, or sounds like you're searching for what to say, the audience can smell fear and incompetence, and like a wild animal.......some may attack!
You patter and speech should be clear, distinct and grammatically correct. By doing so, you'll have an appearance of confidence and professionalism, and that will only make you look more polished to your audience.
So the bottom line is this: The tricks or effects are only tools that magicians use. Sure it's important that you be able to do the mechanics of your tricks competently........but your first and foremost concern should be the overall ENTERTAINMENT value of you and your show.
I hope that this helps,
Brian