The
following is taken from Teller's introduction
in new book "Psychological Subtelties", available
from Joe Stevens or Scott Wells. It is a simple
effect but one that gives us an interesting
way to think about how to present mentalism.
The Rose Affair
Imagine
a mentalist who began:
"There
are no psychic forces - no vibes, no auras,
no influences from the stars, no voices from
beyond the grave. I am an illusionist, but instead
of conjuring with doves and tigers, I do tricks
with information. If I do a good job, you'll
have something to think about on the long drive
home.
"Let
me give you a sample. You, sir, name any flower.
A rose? Fine.
"Now,
think back. Did you ever meet me in a florist
shop? ["No."] Have I ever visited your garden?
["I've never met you before."] What made you
choose a rose? ["My grandmother used to grow
them on the arbor where we dined when we visited
her every summer."] What made you choose this
seat in the auditorium tonight? ["I wanted the
extra leg room in the aisle."] Finally, have
you noticed any strange activity under your
chair? ["Huh?"]
"Well,
then, reach down under your seat. There's an
envelope taped in place, isn't there? Open it
up. What does the card inside say? [" 'The occupant
of this seat has just chosen a rose.' "]
"Now
I could tell you that I foresaw that a rose-lover
would choose that seat. But I'd be lying. I
can't read minds. I can't predict the future.
"And
yet, you found an envelope under your chair
and it told you you'd just chosen a rose. How
did it get there? I'll tell you this much: I
put it there an hour ago.
"See?
Already you have something to think about on
that long drive home."
That's
a trick you could do tomorrow night, right out
of this manuscript. Properly delivered, the
audience will get a chill and be delighted.
You'd get credit for being a brilliant and mysterious
person.
Teller
Method:
most people when asked to think of a flower
will think of a rose. in fact, Larry Becker
suggest saying "a long stem flower. If the person
does not select a rose, you state, "Ah, a -----,
that means you are a person that listens well,
one who is cooparative and who is logical. Exactly
the kind of person I need to help me here up
on stage." And use them for your next effect,
or you could use any of the other various outs
in the book.
available
from Joe Stevens right here
or Scott R. Wells
1111 Bagby, Suite 2916F
713-752-7899
e-mail: wellssr@texaco.com
