From Magician to Speaker - Part One
by Quentin Reynolds

Magicians can spend years developing their careers, networking, building contacts, edging their fees upwards only to discover an amazing fact…

As a rule professional speakers earn more than professional magicians…usually far more. In the heyday of Chautauqua, Ed Reno became very friendly with a college professor speaker on the circuit until he discovered the difference in their fees. Reno stormed into the agent’s office colourfully casting aspersions on the professor’s inability to produce a rabbit from a hat.

And so it is today. That is the perception in the mind of the public and the bookers. Now, besides the high fees there are many other advantages that have attracted magicians to speaking. Well, there’s no props to carry for a start. You already have the skills to stand up in front of an audience. You understand eye contact and audience control – especially if you’ve done children’s parties!

Any competent magician is already half way there.

Professional speaking should not be confused with training or giving workshops although they are all closely related.

Training is teaching specific skills, usually in a workshop environment. Speaking is not just providing information but touching an audience on an emotional level while inspiring them to positive action.

But really, when you boil it all down it’s all theatre. That’s it, all theatre. When you’re performing your magic, whether close-up at a table or on a stage – it’s all theatre. But both require different disciplines. And that’s all speaking is…a different discipline under the category of “theatre”.

Over the next few weeks we’ll look at
a) the steps to go from magician to speaker and
b) tips and tricks from the speaker’s toolbox that magicians can use to improve their own performances.

© 2009 Quentin Reynolds. Quentin Reynolds works as both magician and speaker.
http://www.PsychicGameShow.com

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