As mentioned in my video this week, Tarbell is so profoundly wide, there’s a lot to learn. But also, there’s a lot that needs some polish to put it in front of today’s audiences. The sleights and fundamentals haven’t changed, but as always, we have to work to inject some of ourselves into the script instead of performing verbatim from the page.
I thought it could be interesting to take a couple of examples to share with you, thus illustrating there’s still good material in Tarbell. Because I’m a mentalist, you’ll have to suffer through those tricks with me. (Side note: I was going to process multiple volumes, but I found too much good stuff in just one volume - Volume 6. I’ll save the others for another time).
Al Koran’s “A Word in Thousands (Volume 6 - Lesson 76 - Mind Reading Mysteries - p.247)
This is a drop-dead simple and free book test. Your participant can pick any word - long or short - from anywhere on any page. Sound unbelievable? It is.
Sure, there are plenty of expensive [and clever] book tests out there, but this one can be made inexpensively with props you probably already have at home!
Pro tip: use a post-it note and dispense with inserting a card to choose a page. Just have them flip through randomly until they want to stop on a page.
Interesting side note: he gives you Koran’s verbatim script, which isn’t all that riveting. Yet, Koran was a well-known and well-paid performer. 🤷♂️
Gerald Kosky’s Prediction (Volume 6 - Lesson 76 - Mind Reading Mysteries - p.216)
The effect is a flexible prediction (quite literally 😆). As taught, it’s an add-a-no effect, but at the end of the write-up, you can find ideas for predicting a choice of an audience member name, a country, president, celebrity, city, etc.
Banachek tips a similar version in his Psi Series #1 DVD or his Pre-Thoughts book, so it works for professionals!
This has a distinct advantage over a traditional add-a-no, in that the numbers your audience calls out can be added up by everyone in the audience, not just one member. You really are predicting the total of random numbers.
Pro tip: use vertically lined index cards like these: https://amzn.to/4coG1no
The scripting provided is very basic and descriptive (narrating the props), but it’s not archaic. I recommend following Bob Cassidy’s scripting process outlined in The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy, Volume 2
Sid Lorraine’s Dictionary Message Reading (Volume 6 - Lesson 76 - Mind Reading Mysteries - p.209)
Yes, it’s another book test, but this one is different because it’s designed to be performed close-up. It uses a pocket dictionary for your participant to choose a word and commit by writing it down.
With no suspicious moves, the performer can name the thought-of word and even hand out the dictionary (or give it away, if you’re so inclined!).
It’s that simple, and you can perform this in a walkaround setting.
Pro tip: use stiffer paper like an index card for them to write down their word.
Interesting fact: you can still obtain these inexpensive pocket dictionaries at the dollar store instead of the colloquial “ten cent store” referenced in Tarbell.
Just in case you don’t have access to Tarbell, I want you to have this last trick as my gift to you. I can’t share the Tarbell write-up due to copyright reasons, but I can share the same trick with you published in another favorite golden oldie - The Jinx. Sid Lorraine contributed it to Ted Annemann’s periodical in 1941 under the title of “Idea of 40,000 Words,” and while it’s similar to the Tarbell version, The Jinx version appears to be a later account with some additional handling tips. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Transforming audience attention
Did you notice something different about my video on Sunday? No, it wasn't just the topic—it was the music! 🎶 Each section had its own musical accompaniment, something new for my videos. Adding music has been on my to-do list for a while, and I finally took the plunge last week.
The feedback was incredible. It seems the music really resonated with you (no pun intneded!). Normally, I don't dive into technical details, but check out this retention graph from the video. While other factors might be at play, it looks like the music kept everyone watching longer than usual.
Now, you might be thinking, “So what?”
Here's the deal: Music injects emotion, depth, and texture into your content. It boosts production values and your audience can feel it. This realization has me excited to incorporate music into my magic act as well. I’m convinced it will have a similar impact—helping the audience connect more deeply with the performance and keeping their attention longer.
Think about it: Would Spielberg’s movies be as iconic without John Williams' scores? Maybe, but I wouldn't bet on it. Music is a game-changer, and it's time to harness its power in our performances too!
Let’s start a conversation in the comments: how do you currently incorporate music into your performances, and if you don’t, why not?
Prepare for Afterglow
It’s finally here! John Graham’s Afterglow is being released tomorrow, June 21! I shared my thoughts on this remarkable work in my video two weeks ago, but now it’s your turn to dive in and explore its magic.
Afterglow isn’t just another book on card tricks; it’s a masterclass in transforming individual tricks into a cohesive, mesmerizing act. John Graham, known for his innovative approach and captivating performances, has poured his expertise into this book, offering invaluable insights and techniques.
With fewer copies available than usual, this is a rare gem that you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a seasoned magician looking to refine your craft or a newcomer eager to learn from one of the best, Afterglow promises to be a treasured addition to your library. Don't miss out on the chance to enhance your magical repertoire with this must-have release. Get ready to be inspired and elevate your performances to new heights!
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