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Nervousness

Posted: January 6th, 2004, 2:08 pm
by Guest
Hi

I hope anyone can give me some tips out there.
I recently went to a works
party and offered to do some card trucks for the party goers. It was my first public performance. Obviously I knew some of the people there but some I did not. Firstly I was really shaking and found it hard to control the cards and it wasn't the beer lol. Secondly I did about 6 tricks 2 of which went wrong which really threw me and I then found it difficult to carry on. Any helpful comments to overome this in the future will be appreciated.

Yours in Magic Barry

Re: Nervousness

Posted: January 6th, 2004, 3:26 pm
by Andrew
Hey, don't worry about it. It happens -- especially when you're starting out. It's important to know the moves, patter -- everything -- inside out so when something goes wrong, you'll land on your feet. The most important thing is to be relaxed -- or appear so -- because the audience becomes relaxed, and that's powerful misdirection.

Re: Nervousness

Posted: January 6th, 2004, 3:55 pm
by Randy
Hi Barry,

A couple of things: First, you will become more confident with experience and practice. If 2 of your six card tricks failed, you really need to practice...not just the tricks but outs as well. Second, magician Vito Lupo once told me a secret to keep calm that I always use before performing: Before you start, take a couple of really, really deep breaths through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat a couple of times and feel your body relax. Also, remember to have fun. Audiences feel nervous too if they feel you, as the performer, don't have control of the situation. Good luck and remember that by even trying, you have already accomplished much more than many people would ever consider doing.

Re: Nervousness

Posted: January 13th, 2004, 6:18 am
by Guest
You're already on your way to conquering the nerves by just the fact that you've experienced them. Now you know how it feels to screw up and how you should work your way out if it happens again. Also, you know which tricks to work on more. The next time you perform, just see if you don't feel a little less nervous. I suggest you do the very same tricks next time. That way you can build on the experience of your last performance.