The Magic of Joe Ferranti Close-Up Strolling and Parlor Magician serving Massachusetts.

Getting the Reaction you want...Magicians Only

 

Of course we all like enthusiastic reactions, clapping; an occasional scream, and personally I never get tired of “WTF”. Frankly, if people aren’t having a good time...well, you’re in the wrong business.

My thoughts here are when we can go for a specific reaction, or how I have arrived at the precise reaction I am aiming for in my Birthday Card routine. Now, just because I have reached my goal, doesn’t mean I am getting the “best” reaction. Only that I am getting my desired reaction.

Recently, I blogged on the card to wallet. Anyone who performs this, knows you will always get good/great reactions.(What’s not to like?)

Quite often the spectators will anticipate that “their card” is going to be in the wallet. This can play well as usually the reaction is the “no way” anticipation reaction. You succeed in doing what they expected, but still they know it is impossible.

In the “Birthday” routine the card I remove has a happy birthday message on the back of their signed card. I use blank backs and have colorful happy Birthday balloons and personalize the card with their name printed on the card. (A nice giveaway.)

My goal was to have the spectator hold their card...not realize it is a playing card...and of course not to have a clue their signature is on the other side...and further having to coax them to turn the card over.

These are the additions I have added over the years to help achieve this reaction.

 

Since this is my first “trick” for the Birthday recipient, I might as well have the card be in a sealed envelope. Also, why not staple the envelope on all sides, as it requires no additional effort.(BTW, I have performed staple and non-stapled numerous times...stapled makes a difference!

 

The final thing I have added is during my introduction to the Birthday person, I tell them I have a birthday card for them…”we’ll get back to that.”

 

I repeat, I am not sure if this is the best reaction, but I get it by design. Thank you Darwin.

 

Oh, you can see a clip...

 

 

 

 

Joe Ferranti| Magician Ma| ferrantimagic.com|339-927-4710