Openers (What to Say at the Start)
Hey everyone, could you recommend some openers so I don't always use the typical "Would you like to see a magic trick?"
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Hey everyone, could you recommend some openers so I don't always use the typical "Would you like to see a magic trick?"
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I learned it as a "setup question," but I guess you're talking about the same thing.
That depends on the story or dialogue you want to have with the spectator. It should be something that lets the spectator participate and allows you to guide them, without breaking the narrative, into the actual magic effect. For example, if you're performing the trick where discs pass through a colored ribbon and then come out of the case matching the ribbon's color, the story could be about camouflage. You could ask the spectator if they know what camouflage is, if they know of animals with that ability, etc... and then you link that into the discs. But don't break the narrative flow. For instance, don't do things like, "Is it possible to know what someone is thinking?" and then, regardless of their answer, follow up with, "Okay, pick a card..." (Don't do that; it doesn't serve any purpose).
Anyway, I think you get what I mean (I hope so, haha).
One last thing: if you're going to go straight into the effect, avoid saying, "Do you want to see a magic trick?" because "trick" can be very confrontational for the spectator, putting them on the defensive, like "you're not going to fool me." In my opinion, it's better to use something like, "Would you like to see something amazing?" or "How about something interesting?" etc.
Cheers
@ricardorg2283:
Thanks, that's exactly right. I was referring to leading questions.
Here are a few conversation starters:
Hope these help you out.
Italo Castillo has a course titled "Magical Wonders Without Complex Sleights" that's primarily focused on patter. I recommend it.