Jay

“So it is best not to listen to the volunteer critic, unless one has reason to know that his taste is sound and his advice valuable”
― Dariel Fitzkee, Showmanship for Magicians

“Don't practice individual tricks. Practice the whole act as a unit. The trick should lose its individual identity now.”
― Dariel Fitzkee, Showmanship for Magicians

“But don't make the mistake of doing another trick for them. You've got 'em where you want 'em now. Don't risk loosing that smash finish. When they're yelling, clapping, whistling, and stamping, you're on top. If you go back and do another trick and they're content to let you finish, you've lost a lot of ground. Quit at the peak.”
― Dariel Fitzkee, Showmanship for Magicians

“Good general rules for the presentation of a trick or a program of tricks follow: Gradually slow down your tempo as you approach the climax of your trick or act. During the last few moments of your final effect ritard the action more and more. Pause two or three seconds after each IMPORTANT phrase. Pause almost twice as long just before the phrase establishing a point. These are general rules for insuring clarity and adding punch through captured attention.”
― Dariel Fitzkee, Showmanship for Magicians