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Dealing with Nerves

Principiantes AvatarBeginners
Ferran López Santín
@ferranpoker

I'm pretty new to magic, and whenever I'm about to do a trick, I get really nervous and mess up my controls, and the trick turns into a disaster. Any solutions?

Thanks

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Nick Wayne
@kashoggi

Hey there! Check out this thread that's packed with info on how to deal with your routine getting ruined, whether it's by a spectator or if you mess it up yourself.

https://magigram.com/es/club/beginners/que-hacer-cuando-te-arruinan-el-truco-1196/?u=kashoggi

Also, here's a thread that in turn links to another one where they talk about nerves and shaky hands.

https://magigram.com/es/club/magic/que-haceis-para-no-poneros-nerviosos-6254/?u=kashoggi

Don't worry, you'll get over the nerves eventually.

Now, personally, I recommend starting with simple tricks you've completely mastered; that'll really help reduce your nerves.

Hope this helps, and I'm sure other club members will chime in with more tips.

Magically,

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Ferran López Santín
@ferranpoker

Thanks so much for the help with the threads! I'll definitely be checking them out now that it's getting hot and being out in the garden feels like pure hell. I'll dive into them to find some solutions. Thanks again!

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Cento (el ayudante)
@elayudante

Hey there!

Here are a few ideas:

  1. Practice Like You're Performing

Treat your practice sessions like actual performances. Stand up, talk, look at your “audience” (even if it's just a wall), and act like you're on stage. This helps your body and mind “naturalize” the performance moment.

As Tamariz says: "Performing without performing."

  1. Magic Time and Parenthesis of Oblivion

Practice separating the method from the effect. Don't execute the secret move right before the magical moment. Do it earlier, release the tension, change the subject, and then make the miracle happen. This way, they won't connect the secret move to the magical moment.

This helps you avoid feeling so much pressure during 'the key moment' yourself.

  1. Simplify Your Technique at First

Use versions of effects that don't require complex technical controls while you're building confidence. Many great effects can be done with simple methods if they're well presented.

As Dai Vernon used to say: “It’s not about how difficult the move is, but how impossible the effect seems.”

  1. Confident Presentation, Invisible Technique

Work on your script and presentation first. When you focus on the story and your audience, your body performs the technique more smoothly.

  1. Practice Making Mistakes

Here's what I propose: in your next trick, intentionally make a mistake. Yes, deliberately. And then just keep going as if nothing happened. Or even better: give them a look that says, 'that was part of the show, too.'

Make the mistake part of the act. Turn it into style. Let them wonder if you're clumsy or a genius. Let the spectator doubt: was that a mistake or an illusion?

Cheers!!

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Ferran López Santín
@ferranpoker

Thanks a lot for your help! I'll definitely try to follow these awesome tips! Actually, I've already experienced one of those—like when I messed up, I just completely spun the patter and practically started fresh. Thanks for the help! Stay magical!

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