(3) Qualities of a Good Magician
I once read the following statement in an old piece of magic literature, and it stuck with me: "There are three qualities that a magician must possess to be successful: technical expertise, a suavity of manner, and a cool daring of attitude." I don't remember the book, but I have thought a lot about these wise words since. Here's what it means to me as guiding principles, not only in magic but in life as well.
NO 1. Technical Expertise
As the saying goes, there's no excuse for not knowing your business. Especially if you want to be recognized as a professional in any line of work, the same goes for the fine art of magic. Technical expertise is all about acquiring as much know-how and practical application as possible. You're striving to be one of the best, if not the best.
Through the many sources of literature, blogs, articles, and video teaching available today, a student of magic can gain the knowledge necessary to understand the inner workings of the tricks, how to present the mystery, what to say, how to write your presentation of it, stage deportment, and all other aspects needed to perform magic properly (who, what, when, where, why, and how). First, you study the structure of how a mystery works technically (e.g. gimmicks, apparatus, sleight of hand, etc.). Then, a practical application of this new knowledge over and over, so it becomes second nature. Repetition is the mother of skill.
NO 2. Suavity of Manner
To be suave is to be charming, elegant, confident, gracious, and smooth. So much is understood with just a few words! The magician's demeanor should always be good-natured in a sophisticated way, no matter your style, be it serious, silly, or even strange. I once heard someone wisely say, "Magic is an art; make it so!" But how so? The first thing that comes to mind is that the fashions of a magician greatly influence one's confidence and charm. If you feel good, that energy will easily come out in your performance. Clothes make the person, right? Right!
Now, the famous Magician Robert Houdin once stated that "a magician is an actor playing the part of a magician." Let me bring it all together for you... technical expertise + suavity of manner. You've been practicing, which makes you more comfortable because you know your material, and you've created a polished image for yourself as a performer, so you're feeling confident. Now, take this third step.
NO 3. Cool Daring of Attitude
It's as it sounds, calm under pressure. A performer must keep their cool while working through the process of pulling off the impossible before the watchful eyes of an audience. The performance of magic might be the only form of entertainment art that is subject to an audience wanting to see the performer slip up. Only because the mystery is so great, it's tempting to know. People don't wish that when they watch someone dance or play an instrument. But a magician is challenging someone's reality.
The mysteries presented by the magician are "pretended miracles" that seem even more real when presented with calmness, not to be confused with boring. Our calmness makes it looks easy. We draw an audience in with our charm, wit, ability, and the fun found in these mysteries. And our cool, daring attitudes complete the experience.
It is even more important to master this attitude because sometimes something doesn't go just right for the magician. If you can keep your cool and rely on your technical expertise and suavity, you can navigate through your performances without disrupting your audience's experience. But when everything is going right without a hitch, it really goes right.