How to Work With Spectators During Magic Tricks

As a magician, you are only as good as your tricks and performances. However, your performances and tricks are only as good as your ability to work with a spectator. A spectator standing around with no enthusiasm can make even the greatest of tricks seem dull. This tutorial will help you to get the most out of your spectators by having the best possible working relationship.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• spectator
• magic trick
• positive attitude

How to Work With Spectators During Magic Tricks

1. Be courteous. People are taking time out of their lives to talk to a random person, so do not be mean.

2. Avoid condescending tones. Do not treat your spectator like dirt (unless you have a fetish for dirt and love it). Treat spectators like your friends. They are going to make you look good with their reactions.

3. Get to know your spectator. You do not have to buy them dinner, but knowing his or her personality type will only aid chemistry and performance.

4. Adjust your patter to each individual person. If a guy is an airhead, be prepared to repeat instructions numerous times.

5. Be natural. Do not script yourself. You never know what a spectator will say, so rather than get disheveled at something unscripted happening, work WITH the spectator.
   
   Plus, nobody likes shell emails, anyway.

6. Only perform for those interested in being performed for. A spectator forced to participate is about as useful as a friend being forced to go gift shopping.
   
   They do not want to be there, so do not make them be.

7. Make sure to thank them. Magicians and Spectators have a give-and-take relationship. Make sure they feel that their given time was worth it.