Tips for Using Magic Tricks as Ice Breakers

Welcome to Episode 18 of Learn Magic for Beginners

This episode shares tips for using magic tricks as ice breakers.

These episodes are broken down into quick short topics, so that you can explore them in order, or you can jump around and download specific magic tricks or topics that interest you.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Tips for using magic tricks as icebreakers. Speakers, salespeople, educators,
and people who interact with others intheir business will find ice breakers a great
way to add a little fun totheir meetings and consultations. For children,
knowing a few magic tricks can helpmake them friends and be more at ease
in social situations. Some men evenuse magic tricks as icebreakers when meeting women.

(00:25):
What is an icebreaker? An icebreakeris a technique used by many facilitators
to relax their audience to help themfeel comfortable with their surroundings and with other
people. They can be used inmany areas and take many forms. Telling
jokes or doing magic tricks are probablythe most common icebreakers. Here are some
tips for using magic as an icebreaker. Make sure the tricks you use are

(00:48):
well rehearsed and you can perform themwell. Nothing is more embarrassing and unappealing
than a trick that flops. Performyour tricks when they are unexpected. A
surprised audience will find more delight inyour magic. Be confident and relaxed when
carrying out your trick. If you'renervous, your audience will only feel uncomfortable,

(01:10):
and this is the opposite of whatan icebreaker is meant to do.
Never force a magic trick on anunwilling participant. If someone looks uncomfortable,
find another volunteer. Always remember theobjective of an icebreaker to make your audience
feel comfortable. Simple tricks are goodicebreakers. Card and coin tricks are usually

(01:30):
the best. You may even liketo do some number tricks. Once your
audience is focused. This way,you can tell if they're concentrating. Use
only a few tricks. If you'reusing magic as an icebreaker, then once
your spectator is comfortable, get onwith the business at hand. You aren't
doing a whole magic show, butusing your tricks to set your audience at

(01:51):
ease or to get to know someonebetter. Never reveal the secret of your
trick. You may use icebreakers atthe start of every session you run.
If previous participants talk to new onesand they reveal your icebreaker secrets, then
your magic tricks won't have the effectthey are meant to. Your audience will
see you as unoriginal and perhaps nota good facilitator. Performing magic tricks as

(02:14):
ice breakers is only the beginning.You have to build up a rapport with
your audience. And magic can beginthat process. What happens after you have
broken the ice is up to you.