Tips for Aspiring Mentalists

1. Contrary to advice, using playing cards in mentalism can be beneficial because people trust them more than ESP cards, especially specialty printed cards. It is all about how you used the playing cards.

   
   

2. Perform in the moment, creating the illusion of genuine psychic phenomena while maintaining moral integrity, supported by clear disclaimers.

   
   

3. Disclaimers are important—they help prevent exposure of our art by tenacious reporters and the like, and they keep the audience aware that your act isn’t real, which can enhance the emotional impact while still being entertaining.

   
   

4. Mental magic is about the performer, not props. Present your act confidently, whether using props or not, and be aware of your character. Derren Brown used the most magical prop of all to perform a convincing prediction, a Doll House Illusion.

   
   

5. Know and embrace your character. Authenticity resonates more than trying to appear as something you're not. Ask your friends how they see you when you are performing. What do they see your character as? There is nothing wrong with performing mental magic if that is more who you are. Our job is to entertain, and that should be your focus and your daily question to yourself: “How can I make my routine more entertaining?”

   
   

6. Be unique. Performers who break the rules and develop distinct characters leave lasting legacies. Think of the top performers today, you could imitate each of them in style, which means they know their character. They have worked hard on character, some more than on the art itself, and they have succeeded in getting into the lexicon of our art.

   
   

7. Incorporate humor if you are funny. Comedy can enhance mentalism without compromising its strength and believability. Do not listen to those who say you cannot.  There are some very strong mentalists out there today who use comedy to enhance the entertainment value and for misdirection.

   
   

8. And, of course, tape your performances.  For 2 years, I got lazy on this, and someone taped my show for me. I was shocked to see that when I came out, I was standing behind a small table for my first effect, and I was not even using the table during that routine. It looked horrible.  I also saw plenty of other mistakes I was making as well.

-Banachek