Look for people who seem friendly and open to your performance. Avoid people who seem reclusive or groups in the middle of serious conversation.
Speak loudly enough for them to hear you. Make eye contact as you talk.
Find out your volunteer’s name and introduce her to the crowd to make her feel like part of the show. Say “This is Anna (her name), and she’ll be helping me perform today. " Be firm when choosing a volunteer. Point at them and say “I want you to help me. " Don’t give them a chance to say no or the rest of the audience will think they can say no as well.
With your cards fanned out face up, the force card will be at the bottom. Remember your force card, it’s the card you’ll be making your volunteer choose later on.
Now that you know the position of your force card, you’re ready to perform the force.
People will rarely pick one. If they do have them pick again. The idea behind having your volunteer choose a number is making her feel like she is in control of the outcome of the trick. [1] X Research source
By rearranging the cards, you are creating the illusion that you are further randomizing the order of the cards.
Talk to your audience during this part of the trick not only to keep them entertained but also to distract them from the fact that your volunteer has just reversed your actions. Jokes can be a great way to distract your audience during this part of the trick, but don’t force it. Showcase your personality. [2] X Research source
Make sure she doesn’t let you see the card. You can even hide your eyes. You want it to be clear to the audience that you cannot see the card.
Exclaim the card loud enough for everyone to hear you. Make a production of it. This is your big moment, play it up.
The top card should be angled towards you and the bottom card should be angled away from you.
Limit the movement of your fingers. This requires finger dexterity. See the movement from your audience’s viewpoint by trying it out in the mirror over and over again until it looks believable.
Typically, you want your volunteer to stop you somewhere in the middle of the deck.
Be smooth. Your force card should meet the other cards in midair. This action requires speed in performance, but try it in slow motion several times alone and then increase pace. [3] X Research source
This must be a very quick motion so that your audience doesn’t see you have added the force card.
Remind her not to tell you what it is. Make sure it’s clear to the audience that you cannot see the card.
A brief pause can be used to build suspense. Be a showman. Act like you’re reading your volunteers mind and tease her whenever possible.
