MiloCast

One of the endless debates in the magic community is the book versus video controversy. Some of us prefer books, and some prefer videos. Others argue that both have their place. The most common argument against videos is that they tend to teach not only the tricks, but also the performance style of the teacher. Since we are all different, performing in the style of another has an air of falseness which is obvious to the audience, and detracts from the entertainment potential of the performer.

In this age of celebrities from sports heroes to screen idols, it is seen as normal to latch onto role-models in the media. My generation is constantly quoting lines from “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” The irony is that we all love those characters because they’re different from everyone else. Think back to the person in school you secretly respected. Was it the kid who didn’t care what others thought of him? Or maybe it was the teacher who truly inspired you to learn by being honest and intelligent, instead of pretending to be your buddy. Think of your favorite actor or comedian. Is it the way they can pretend to be anyone that you enjoy watching, or the fact that they make themselves part of every character they play and every joke they tell?

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and there’s nothing wrong with being inspired by others. But once you begin performing as a magician for the public, it’s time to make your magic part of yourself and yourself part of your magic. And for non-magicians, or a magician who is currently working at his day job, being yourself instead of the kind of person you think people expect you to be will probably be surprisingly effective. Give it a try.