Got Confusion?

Have you ever witnessed an effect that by the time it came to the punch line, you found yourself wondering what just happened? Most beginning magicians throw a barrage of effects at their audience with a lightning speed execution with the hopes that the audience will follow. In most cases not only does it confuse the audience, but it lessens the impact of the punch line. This month’s article with explore the art of simplicity, more importantly the attention span of the average spectator.

So why do we want to simplify? Think about if I go up to a spectator and grab his borrowed coin to change it into a card, to catch the card on fire magically producing a turkey, to have the turkey lay an egg, to crack the egg to reveal the borrowed coin. Wait a minute that would be a cool routine, however, if delivered too quickly the spectator would not be given the opportunity to really appreciate the multiple punch lines executed.

One of the greatest lessons Mr. Stone has taught me is to really milk a moment, and like most magicians in training I have mistaken lots of moves and punch lines in one effect as good magic. In reality I was bypassing the building of an effect that all masters utilize. The point in this article is to really explore the attention span of your spectator and how you can implement this information to enhance the impact of your routine.

The average attention span of an adult is 20 minutes, however, more interesting that 20 minutes is greatly depleted when too much information and/or stimuli is presented in short intervals of time. What does this mean for you? Well if you present too much magic in a short period of time you can lose your audience.

This is a valuable concept when you think about it in terms of presentation. Going back to my turkey example, that effect in description would make a great affect, however, if presented in a rapid sequence would leave most spectators confused and not being able to focus on any one affect. I would bet that if that spectator was asked to explain the effect that they witnessed an hour later, they would more than likely remember the beginning and the end, leaving the middle unclear. Here are some points to think about when you are developing a routine.

First does the presentation support the effect? An interesting attribute to human memory is it transfers short term memories into the long term through the process of association. Association in a nutshell is the process to linking new information through stories and/or categorization. When a spectator is enthralled in a presentation not only does it make the effect more memorable, but intensifies the affect. When you are developing a presentation for an effect, ask yourself: does the story (presentation) support and build up the impact of the punch line? Watch masters at play because you will see this principle in action.

Second keep it simple! Simplicity is the key to great magic. You want to create groovy magic not move-y magic. Less is better for many reasons. One the spectator is able to follow the routine, and more importantly she can appreciate the magic unfolding before her eyes. Second, the magician can really build up the magic without being so preoccupied with misdirection and moves. Do I enjoy executing complicated sleights? Sure I do, however, I always make sure that the move is not taking my attention from my audience.

Finally, a great magic effect only has three parts and they are: 1) The Introduction, 2) The Presentation, and 3) The Punch Line. The introduction in my opinion is where the relationship is established. This is where not only your audience gets a sense of you, but where you get a feel for your audience. Take the time to establish a bond. Even if you are working tables and have limited time, the proper introduction can set the tone for the routine.

The presentation is where you can intensify your magic. Keep in mind when you are creating a routine a presentation should fit your personality and it should support the effect. Do not be afraid to test and adjust your presentation based on your audience’s responses. Great magicians are always adjusting and finding ways to improve their presentations. Remember sleights are only as good as they are presented.

Practice your presentation as much as you practice your sleights. Finally, keep your effect limited to one strong punch line. Sure you can have many affects in one effect, however, be sure that they are supporting the build up and not a multitude of finales.

In conclusion the best way to test the impact of your routine is to have the spectator explain your effect after a period of time has lapsed. This is where you will truly see your audience’s perspective on your effect. Remember your audience’s attention span is finite, and with that knowledge you can tailor your routine so that it will engross their attention with a strong but simple presentation. Magic is just as much anticipation as it is impact.

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