Magic has been around for hundreds of years and is one of people`s favorite forms of entertainment. In essence, magic is a form of deception. There is a fine line between a magician and con artist, but magicians use their magic to entertain people, not to rip them off for own benefit. Magic is supposed to be for fun and entertainment purposes and not for fooling people. If you are just starting to learn magic and concepts behind it, then you must pay attention to few things first.
Main Magic Concepts
For performing majority of magic tricks, a magician uses 4 basic concepts – misdirection, force, manipulation of words and sleights. Understanding how they work will help you learn the majority of tricks that are around.
The concept of misdirection focuses on distracting the viewers. Stage magicians use this concept heavily when performing shows in theatres and other entertainment venues. The main thing behind this concept is to direct the viewers look in another direction when you are trying to do the trick. Visual misdirection is very important for successful execution of the trick. Magicians exploit this concept by keeping their audience busy with something else or engaging them into conversation.
Next basic concept of magic is the concept of force. As its name suggests, with this concept you, as a magician, are forcing the viewers to make a predetermined “choice”. For example, you get a pack of cards and make people choose a random card. Truth is, the random card they choose is not exactly ‘random’, but you have forced them in some way to pick it. You have to be very skilful to execute this, which means you have to use certain mathematical principles, instructions, or props for the audience to pick the card you really want them to pick. So-called mentalist magicians usually rely on this concept of force when performing their tricks.
Manipulation of words is the third main concept of magic. With this concept, you are subconsciously instructing the viewer of the trick to do something by using specific set of words. This play of words can be very helpful and handy when performing, but it requires many years of good practice before it can be executed smoothly.
Finally, sleights is a concept that is based on hands manipulation. Mastering this concept requires long time, so patience, commitment and discipline are a must. Any magician that wants to be good and successful in the world of magic, must master sleights. These should be practiced regularly. You must learn good hands manipulation before even entering the world of magic. That way people will recognize you as a good magician.
These were the main concepts of magic that every magician must learn before performing in front of an audience. Learn as much details as you can about them and start performing. Make sure you spend good amount of time on each and every one of the concepts before you start doing tricks in front of an audience.
