I work with many magicians to help them structure their magic shows and corporate sets. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I often recommend and help implement. This is one of those.
It’s a presentational technique that I believe strengthens prediction effects. When applicable, I’ll always suggest it. There is a method involved (dual reality), but it only enhances the practicality of the presentational hook, not the trick itself.
And it’s worth noting that this is not limited to prediction effects — I’ve also recommended this presentational technique to magicians who have mystery objects in their shows. This can, in the right situation, add some gravitational weight to those objects, too.
Making any Prediction Stronger
I’ve mentioned this a few times since launching One Ahead’s newsletter for magicians. Predictions are more engaging when mailed to spectators.
It’s almost always the first piece of advice I tell hobbyist magicians with grandkids: mail them a prediction.
The impact of doing so on the power of the magic tricks is extraordinary. Mail a mystery box or envelope to your grandkids the week before you visit. Ask them to keep it safe. When you arrive, they can open it up with you at the end of a magic trick. Kids love it.
But the same is true for adults.
I sometimes advise corporate magicians to leave a repeat client with a prediction envelope to open the next time they book you. I’ve seen firsthand how much better a radio interviewer’s reaction is when the prediction was mailed to them in advance. That one important client in Texas — imagine the energy that would get built if you mail their team a prediction and ask the boss to put it in their office or on display for all to see ten days ahead of the corporate event they booked you to perform at.
But why would mailing a prediction be more impressive than simply handing it out?
It’s best to compare this to high-wire walking.
Walking on a high wire five metres off the ground is impressive. Walking along a wire ten metres off the ground, though an almost identical challenge for the performer, is undeniably more impressive.
There’s also an element of what magicians call cancelling to this presentational hook, too. If the magician mailed the envelope or box ahead of time, then there’s less chance that the magician could tamper with it or make changes to what’s inside it — at least that’s what the audience believes.
But really — the reason I recommend doing this is simple.
It’s just a more engaging and captivating hook and presentation.
As an audience member, something about it makes your eyes light up, and you want to tell your friends about it the next day. “The magician mailed the prediction a week earlier to the venue!”
Sure, if you were to think it through — what’s the difference between arriving at a show with a prediction envelope versus mailing one to the venue in advance? Not much — for you as a performer, anyway, there’s likely no difference in effort when it comes to method.
The only thing you must do is mail it in advance.
Or do you?
The Dual-Reality of it All
Most professional magicians will do all they can to simplify their lives, and mailing something to a venue in advance is no easy task. What if it doesn’t arrive? What if it arrives later? What if I have a show the night before and need the props for then?
These are valid concerns.
The biggest reason not to mail something in advance is that you should want the freedom to change your act when necessary. Mailing something ahead of time sort of locks you in.
So, what do you do?
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