Magicians Should Perform Naturally

"It is a great ability to be able to conceal one's ability." - La Rochefoucauld

Within magic circles, we take it as an indisputable given that we should perform our effects as 'naturally' as possible. Many of the great thinkers of magic have insisted upon the importance of naturalness, especially in regards to manual technique. But what exactly is it about being natural that is so desirable?

Of course, as with most things, 'natural' is a relative term. What is perfectly natural for one person may be utterly unnatural for another. Many of the techniques Tony Slydini created were so marvelously deceptive because they were organic extensions of his own unique gestures, timing, temperament and personality. The same cannot be said of Slydini's students. Though some even sound quite a lot like the master himself, the gestures and words simply do not ring true. (Avid video and DVD viewers take heed!) This may be one of the hallmarks of a master magician. Despite years of study, there is just no performing the effects he performs in the way he performs them. His craft is truly self-expressive.

And yet, personal idiosyncrasies aside, there still seem to be general guidelines as to what appears natural for a human being when it comes to handling a pack of cards, holding a coin or unfolding a handkerchief. Ultimately, when we refer to an action performed by a magician as 'natural,' we mean that it suits him, seems second nature and appears to be organic rather than contrived. But the question still remains, "What is it about naturalness that is so desirable for a magician?"

First, an action that appears to be natural does not arouse suspicion. For magicians, this is a very valuable attribute. At the same time, natural actions do not call attention to themselves and/or distract the audience. Such distraction can lead, not only to suspicion, but also to confusion which will undermine the understanding and final impact of the effect.

Handling your props and delivering your script in a fashion that seems to perfectly suit you is also a wonderful way to nurture your audience's trust. Such trust dramatically increases the chances of you being able to deceive them as well as inspire them to become emotionally involved in the show. And assuming that what is natural for you is natural for your audience, the chances are very good that by acting naturally your audience will also be able to relate to what you are doing.

Finally, there is a virtue to naturalness that I find especially potent: grace. There is a simple elegance and efficiency, a kind of visual music, to actions performed in an utterly natural fashion. John Carney is a marvelous example of just this kind of benchmark technique. It is as if the performer is tuned to the perfect wavelength for his being and to be in the presence of that cannot help but add considerably to the beauty of the experience.