“Magician Verses Mind Reader…Who’s Winning in the 21st Century?”

“I’m not a mind reader, but… I’m a good guesser.”

I think I stole that line from Ray Kosby. But it’s perfect for the following trick.

Here’s the effect… I spread a deck of cards before a spectator, and they think of one. I remove one card and place it in my vest pocket. Now I give them the Ray Kosby, “I’m not a mind-reader…” I ask the spectator to name the card they are only thinking of, Ta Da! It’s the card in my pocket.

Of course, it’s a card trick… a darn good one and my audiences feel the same way. However, it is not “mentalism”

Derren Brown, Master Mentalist and Illusionist.

My introduction to Derren Brown was through his card magic. His skills are second to none, but it was always evident that his leanings were towards a mentalist’s approach.

Always a magician but open to mentalist approaches.

I’ve never performed as a mentalist, but I’ve noticed the impact it can have on spectators. Magicians and mentalists share many things in common.

Our focus is on presentations that have a lasting impact and create meaningful experiences. Here’s where the lines get blurry. Some spectators react with shock, they scream, and they run away. This is a satisfying reward for being a magician. “Dead silence” is another legitimate expression that can be just as impactful to the audience. Unfortunately, it’s not noticeable if you are working at an event and you want the person who hired you to know how much their guests enjoyed your work.

Invading Your Head Space.

The strongest magic may be “real magic.” Of course, I would never pretend to be performing real magic, but I will come as close to giving that experience in an entertaining presentation.

Here’s what I want to achieve…I ask a spectator, “Would you go back to when you were young and think of someone who was important to you.”

The end is simplicity itself…I tell them the name of the person they are thinking of!

They will remember that and tell people who weren’t at the performance.

Please see the following video and notice the reaction. The “eyes” may indicate an internal dialogue of “What is going on?” Of course, this is not an exact science…but I take an interest in facial reactions, including the eyes.

Joe Ferranti                                                                                                                                                                                        ferrantimagic.com   339-927-4710