A 44-page e-book exploring the relationship mentalists — and magicians — have with deceptive methods. In a marketplace that thrives on selling easy-to-use methods, the nuanced decisions around choosing methods are often lost.
The argument here is simple: methods should not be chosen based on how easy they are, but on how well they serve the theatrical framework and the audience’s aesthetic experience. This essay draws on evidence from cognitive psychology, the sleight-of-hand dexterity of coin magicians, and the demonstrations of memory experts to present a case for how many mentalists’ relationship with methods is not in true service to the Magic they wish to share.
Routines
Pseudo Telepathy
While in conversation with a stranger, friend, or journalist, the mentalist offers to demonstrate how telepathy works in a crowd. The spectator points to a random person — and with a single billet, the mentalist divines intimate details about the freely chosen stranger: names, dates, concerns, personality traits. The spectator can approach the chosen stranger to have them confirm the details on the billet. Even a business card grabbed from the environment works.
Noppera-BŌ
A “mini effect” designed to be integrated into group performances. A simple, propless Name Divination usable any time people join mid-way through a set. Developed almost by accident, the reactions it creates have made it a steady tool in Christopher’s casual and professional close-up work.
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