Nerves

[Stillson]

I'm 16 and I've been learning Magic for about 6 years now. Even though I've been working on it for so long, my hands always seem to shake uncontrollably while I perform. I can almost always finish my tricks before I mess something up but I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on calming my nerves and getting through a routine without a spectator commenting on my epileptic performance.

[Pancakes10385]

Originally Posted by Stillson

I'm 16 and I've been learning Magic for about 6 years now. Even though I've been working on it for so long, my hands always seem to shake uncontrollably while I perform. I can almost always finish my tricks before I mess something up but I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on calming my nerves and getting through a routine without a spectator commenting on my epileptic performance.

First welcome to the forums! You can find a TON of great info on here in the nifty search feature...

I know working out the nerves can be tough but after time and performing over and over and over and having the moves as second nature they will go away...

Check out this post on the subject...

http://forums.ellusionist.com/showth...?t=6924&page=2

[shayfogg]

Originally Posted by Pancakes10385

First welcome to the forums! You can find a TON of great info on here in the nifty search feature...

I know working out the nerves can be tough but after time and performing over and over and over and having the moves as second nature they will go away...

Check out this post on the subject...

http://forums.ellusionist.com/showth...?t=6924&page=2

I used to have the same problem. I've found that once you have an audience throw out a couple of tricks that you have down pat. The key is learning how to read the person or people that you are performing for. Learn how to use their reaction as your motivation. There are generally 2 types. People that are blown away and let you know and people that are blown away but very quiet. When performing for complete strangers, it's hard to pick apart the quiet types. I, personally peck away at them until I get some reaction. Haha. The point is, throw out some really strong effects from the beginning. If they're still sticking around, regardless of reaction, you have their attention. It's all down hill from there. Just let that feed your ego.

[jcangel]

Originally Posted by Stillson

I'm 16 and I've been learning Magic for about 6 years now. Even though I've been working on it for so long, my hands always seem to shake uncontrollably while I perform. I can almost always finish my tricks before I mess something up but I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on calming my nerves and getting through a routine without a spectator commenting on my epileptic performance.

Hey there,
well I am not a proffesional and I am neither the best nor the greatest magician but let me try to help you and give you some advice that might help you.
I have also had the same problem as well in the past when I was performing infront of people and I still do today as I don't have enough experience with working with people and I get reall anxious and really nervous when perfforming infront of people.
I think the worst case of fear and nervousness was when I entered a talent show at the local school I was going to and I could not even face the audience.
I just was deathly scared that I was messing up terribly and people would catch on to me with what I was doing or that I would be laughed off of stage.
The best thing I can say is to just think that yeah you will be nervous at first ,but try to think that the people will not laugh at you and just do it.
Don't be afraid to perform and just think that I don't care what they think of me.
If they catch what you did or you did not give a good enough performance then use that as more of a reason to perform and improve.
Also maybe performing for friends that are close to you could help and or performing for a grandmother or grandfather if you don't like performing for your parents?

I hope this helps.