10 tips to improve your magic
Not into magic? Skip to #10.
Magic has been called one of the world’s greatest hobbies. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of it.
Practice in front of a mirror. Always practice until you know a trick by heart—every move, every word. When you are ready to perform, try it out first for a parent or good friend.
Never, ever reveal how a trick is done. That breaks the magician’s oath (sometimes called the magician's code) and only ends up spoiling the fun. If someone asks how a trick is done, say, “You know, I think it might be magic!” or “You know, I wish I knew myself!” or something similarly good-natured.
Never repeat a trick for the same audience. Since they would know what to expect the second time, they could watch more carefully and discover the secret.
Check the library for books on how to do magic tricks. You’ll find them on the shelf with books marked 793.8. The best books not only tell how tricks are done, but teach you some important principles of magic, such as misdirection and showmanship.
Look around your house. What ordinary objects could you use for magic tricks? Using ideas from magic books, try making up a trick of your very own!
If a trick goes wrong the first time you perform it, don’t get discouraged. That has happened to every magician who ever lived, including the great ones. Practice some more before performing it again.
Read books about famous magicians, such as Harry Houdini. It is inspiring to learn how hard they worked to develop extraordinary skills.
Try assembling a magic show of 6-8 effects. Choose tricks you enjoy doing. Structure your show so that each effect is stronger than the last, finishing with your most mystifying feat—your grand finale.
When you have practiced your show so it runs smoothly, try performing it at a local nursing home. They will appreciate your effort and won’t mind if every trick isn’t perfect. In turn, you’ll get valuable performing experience.
Learn as much as you can about everything. There are secrets everywhere, even in the most ordinary things, that can help you work wonders if that is what you would like to do.
If you follow all of this advice, you won't just perform better magic—you'll be a better magician.