From Magician To Speaker Part 9
By Quentin Reynolds

A good opening establishes interest, authority and control.

Think about the magic competitions you have experienced.  How many magicians walk out and within nano-seconds, their manner and bearing convey they are both under-rehearsed
and uncomfortable?

How does that affect you as an audience member? It makes you uncomfortable in your seat and you're on edge because you know something is going to go wrong. You cannot relax
and enjoy.

Yet another magician can walk on and instantly you feel relaxed and comfortable. He exudes confidence and you don't care what journey he takes you on because you trust him.

So most important - walk on with confidence. If you don't feel confident, then while backstage picture a time when you did feel really confident and let that mental image reflect in your body language as you walk on.

Always remember people want you to be good. Nobody goes to a film, play or show wanting it to be less than excellent.

Please do rehearse your talk. Proper rehearsal is the difference between a cheap off the peg suit and a hand made bespoke suit of the finest material.

Having said that don't worry about being perfect the first time you give your talk to an audience. A hand made suit requires a number of fittings before it's just right!

You closing should tie the whole talk together. It might refer back to something you said in your opening. It should reinforce your theme and the one point you want your audience to take away.

Last issue I promised to reveal what to do if you tell a funny story and it does not get the expected laugh. If you recall, the structure of your talk is:

Dynamite opening which gets into the theme of the talk
Make a point
A story to illustrate the point
Make a point
A story to illustrate the point
Make a point
A story to illustrate the point.
Wrap up and powerful close.

It's very important to remember that the stories in a good talk are there to make a point, regardless of how entertaining they are.  If your funny story gets no reaction simply say: "You're probably wondering why I told that story. Well the reason is"... and continue to make your point. A comedian can't use that tactic!

Next issue we'll cover some tips for dynamic speaking.

© Quentin Reynolds. Quentin Reynolds works as both magician and speaker.
You can read about one of his programs at http://www.PsychicGameShow.com

Quentin's Articles list on IrishMagicNews