Frens... I was wondering how do you all approach a table with people or a group of people and ask them to watch you perform magic... do you just get straight into it... or do you gradually go into it... it feels weird to just get into doing magic. My approach is I will have a little chit chat with the people first maybe along the line of magic or something like that , So whats ur approach please share.

Hey Simon,

Well, i haven't done table-hopping or walk-around alot, but I would say that you should scout around to see who to approach first! Walk around a bit, you don't have to get into it, and see if anyone seems to be idle, or not busy. If you approach those who are in discussions, most probably you would get the cold shoulder. I'm guessing this is a formal event? It's gonna take a while to see who seems friendly, and would most probably turn you down.

I usually would just introduce myself, say i'm one of the entertainers tonight, and ask if they have a moment to spare because i would like to show them something. You would notice once you start your trick, others tend to be interested. I would say it would be good if you could perform for a group that is not isolated from the rest. This way, you quickly establish yourself as an entertainer. The less likely people would turn you away. Once again, i emphasize that there will be groups who are in thick biz discussions, and would not bother about you at all. But that's okie, so long as you've gotten the majority of the crowd.

The organizers of the event would always be around. So they would usually usher you to go to groups who look bored. Remember that is the main reason why you are hired.

I don't usually talk about magic, unless they ask me something about it like, 'Oh is it real magic and so and so on.' After the first 15 mins or so, you'll get the hang out it. And start having fun! :P

But most importantly, go with your gut instincts. That is what separates you from the rest of the magicians. Be you!

Hope that helps!

Simon perhaps you can find some of the answers here from SMC website

http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/ind...topic=4481&st=0

Advices from niquetan which i think is very useful. There is also many other useful advices there. Do check it out :)

Catch their attention first before performing

By walking around, or flashing fire wallet, fire, flourishes...

When you got the attention, smile, and approach them, shake hands and introduce yourself, be friend with them
Get into magic routine, be as friendly as possible, after the routines, smile, shake hands with them, say THANK YOU VERY MUCH, and leave, maybe distributing your name cards .

Be relax, if they offer you a seat, sit down and get into short conversation with them, do not be too excited to show them whatever you have :P

If the event or restaurant is featuring you. Tell them to let the guests know that there is a walkaround magician peroforming. Then you can just go "Hi, I'm the in house magician..." and go into your routine.

I have some walkaround and table hopping magic experience, but when I was doing it, I was dressed as a clown, so, makes it a whole lot easier to approach people. Although it gives rise to a whole lot of other problems, kids crying when they see you etc. :D

From a magic e-mail list: I am pasting the whole e-mail so filter out the "commercials" ^_^ His website is at the end of the post
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Howdy Folks!

Over the past few months members of Kranzo's Newsletter have received
a number of my pet effects. Today I'd like to talk about how to
execute that magic for an audience. I know that out of the thousands
of people that read these newsletters there are beginners, amateurs,
pro's and everything in between. I think the information I will share
with you over the next few months will be valuable to ALL those
people.

The Approach

When performing for small groups you will most likely be in a
situation where you have to approach a group, or table, "cold". By
that I mean you have not been introduced, and they have no clue who
you are, or what you are doing. It's up to you to win them over so
that they will allow you into their space, and ultimately, enjoy your
magic.

One of my favorite gambits is to get invited to the table so THERE IS
NO COLD APPROACH. I have a couple of clever ways to do this that I
will talk about later. For now lets assume you have to approach cold.

There are primarily two ways to approach this situation. Go right
into an amazing and quick effect, or establish a nice dialogue with
the guests as you transition into some great magic.

Both work great and one might be better for YOU and your personal
style. If you aren't a wordsmith I'd suggest going with the visual
effect and let your magic do the talking for you. Of course you'll
need to speak at some point. : ) If you are confident in your
presentation and know how to quickly establish repoire with an
audience, then you are ahead of the game.

No matter what approach you use here are a couple of important things
to remember.

Confidence

Be confident. Dogs smell fear and people do to. The only way you will
be confident is if you know exactly what you are going to say and
exactly what you are going to perform. Confidence can be displayed by
your look, demeanor, speech, volume of voice, witty remarks, conveying
a relaxed attitude etc.

Don't forget to smile

A smile is a powerful thing. If you've got a great smile this alone
can open up a group and cause people to smile BACK at you. A strong
smile is also a sign of confidence.

The name is the game

"Hi I'm Nathan Kranzo". 99% of the time when I approach a group,
smile, and say that phrase, someone will offer their hand for a
handshake and tell me THEIR name back. You've already got a great
foot in the door because you are now a friendly face with a NAME!
Your no longer a stranger. People are much less likely to blow you
off when they shake hands with you and exchange names. While its just
a little step you are slowly building a relationship.

Ok...now what? Well from here you either have to continue the
conversation with some witty remarks, maybe ask them a question, make
a joke etc. OR get right to the magic.

In a few days i'll share with you an opening effect that I've used in
these situations for years. Your going to love it.

all the best,

Kranzo

http://www.MovingTanline.com

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Personal note: personally this is what I have done in the past - (done table hopping 3 times only, so I am not expert)
I approach a table where I know someone - I chat and do table hopping my routine set. The laughter and reactions will attract attention. Normally someone from another talbe will naturally ask me over.
Or ... after I finish, I will watch to see if anyone from a nearby table shows interest (someone will) and I approach that person and the table will be receptive.

wow.. thanks.. Last month I went for a Prom night to do some table to table magic and found out that the tables there were inappropriate for close up kind of magic... Instead of dealing cards on table,I place the cards on my knees when I sat on a chair of the a particular table.. weird..

You should consider expanding your repertoire to include more than cards.

What Paul said with regards to Jeremy was the exact reason why i studied coins, impromptu stuff.

At times your in an environment which doesn't allow you to play with your cards. Sometimes, people don't react to cards like they would to coins, mentalism, etc. And sometimes, you'd look like such a try-hard by carrying a deck with you 24-7. No offense, i do that myself, i feel, regardless how good or how smooth you are with a deck, when someone says "show me some magic" and you pull out a deck..to some crowds, it looks kind of lame. and it gives off a little sense of needyness/ over eagerness.

Derren Brown covers this topic in his book "absolute magic" very well.

My 2 cents.

-Nadz

I bought sponge balls over there too..

I love sponge balls :-)

Also, Jeremy, try to do stuff in their hands or that don't require dealing.

I try to limit myself to those stuff to make myself truly mobile.

To Simon:

Try starting with a group of girls, I find they react the best and they may drag their friends in to watch. Even if they don't, their reactions will make other people curious at the very least and that of course helps :)

Apart from what Paul posted, it really depends on the situation.

At a ball they are all ready to be entertained, so it is okay to interrupt their meals as they WANT to be shown things.

If at a restaurant, the best time to perform is right after they order their food and are waiting for it to be served. You may perform after they finish their food but it's not advisable as business wise the manager wants as many people in as they can, and not delay the leaving of customers when they are done.

By the way, I usually go straight into magic after saying 'Hello, I'm Vincent, the entertainer for the evening blah blah.' Even if there is small talk, it's a build up to my first trick and links.

Even i hate to admit that but it's true..... girls get chatty and giggling and soon everyone comes along!

Watch out for the jealous boyfriends. They tend to be hecklers.

Yeah.. this could be a problem.. Doesn't need to be the bf, most guys will feel unsecure that some other dude is making the girls laugh and enjoy themselves. Try involving the guys too.

I find that normally the girls would just let themselves be entertained and enjoy the 'magic', whereas guy will try to burn ur hands and figure out how the trick is done. Darn you kiasu buggers! :P

ya.. I really dislike those heckler all they want is to ruin other ppl entertainment... but I have met some good samaritans who ask them to keep quiet... haha B)

Damn egoistic males.... :P

Kidding kidding!!

*runs off*

Although i am a male, but i sometimes i have to agree this.. haha...

Cheers :lol: