First for days of 'official' work, and I didn't even get to touch my cards.

For those of you who are still studying, enjoy it while it last.

Now, onwards!

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Images of the Nouvo/Mamak stall repeats in my head.

But what I enjoy the most, is simple trick coupled with top notch presentation.

Eugie and Canbeef could do AWESOME presentation and make the simplest of tricks look TRULY magical.

This is something (as far as I understand), that many magic books, videos, does not cover.

So where does one learn PRESENTATION skills?

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Me thinks, getting another magician to observe and critique in the field is cool. Afoi is a good WINGMAN in terms of providing me feedback.

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Thanks and many cheers!

Lots of practice and fellow magicians giveing their comments on their observations of performances?

I wish I had a large full length mirror as I read in Tarbell's (only on first chapter) that the best way to learn natural showmanship is to practice (see yourself perform) in front of a mirror.

I think..my way is to get a role model..try to learn his way of presenting..my fav is copperfield & blaine (they make magic looks very mysterious); david regal and bill malone (hilarious presentation) etc..but i think u'll learn alot by experience..the more u perform, the more u know how to 'control' the spectator's feeling..
Just my 2 cents

I agree with darren. There's no where or no source where u can learn to be good at presentation skills. yes, several DVDs teaches how to handle an audience, and gives wonderful tips and all abt performances and patter. But its until u put it to practice is the time that it counts and can slowly be good at presentation skills. The more u practice in front of an audience the more u feel at ease and the more confident u get.

Cheers!
Brendan

There are so many great magicians with different personas.

I "only" look up to David Acer and Bill Malone so far, as they bring out the best in entertainment (personally).

thus far for me is brad christian cause i haven't seen anyone else dvd/cd yet... <_<

okay, on presentation:

For me, a magician will only end up with a polished routine/presentation through experience and experimentation. Its a trial and error process, and you have to mess up a lot before you get that special feeling when you know that yo're doing things right.

Its definitely good to have role models like professional magicians (God knows I emulate Copperfield in a lot of my tricks!), but in the end you have to try and find your own style and persona.

In my humble opinion, presentation is worth TONS more than the actual trick. For instance, a card trick would be meaningless if all you do is find a card and say "Tada!!!"
Audiences want to see magic, they want to have a magical and mysterious experience with the magician. They want to believe that there is such a thing as Magic with a capital M!

So, I guess my only advice in this matter (and i'm not a good advice-giver) is : Don't worry. You'll get there.

I still have a long way to go. Magic is forever a learning process, and there is no such thing as PERFECT KNOWLEDGE in magic.

Dude, I concur.

Usually, when I see someone do a trick, I am fixated on how a certain sleight is done.

But when Eugie did a simple twocard monte for me, I was amazed by how he could keep my eyes from the deck. It was amazing.

I think I need to perform more, and get the feel. I'm being too much of a bedroom magician.

Thanks for sharing and elaborating.

i have not read these books, but from what i heard, there are great if u are serious with magic and want maximum response from audiences...
I"m sure u all heard of it Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz

a new book called "magic of ascanio" is out and it touches on theory as well

i seriously do not know if reading these books will help, but ppl who have read it and posted comments on forums said they did..
so...yeah
:)