RULE #1: Perform a trick only after you've perfected it.

As magicians, we have a lot of enthusiasm for magic, and we can't wait to show someone our latest effect. We tend to forget that the real magic is in the performance, and not in the trick itself. Your audience wants to be entertained. If you stumble and fumble through the effect, even if you make the trick work mechanically, you've only demonstrated a magic trick. A real performance includes clever "patter" (the conversation you carry on while doing the trick) and smooth, effortless handling of the effect. Don't shortchange your audience in rushing to show them your latest purchase. Take your time to practice, practice, practice first. You'll get a much better reaction, and that's what we are all after, right?

RULE #2: Never let them see you sweat.

Remember, your audience wants to be entertained. Sure, there will be many, many times when good tricks go bad- props break, volunteers don't follow instructions, things slip from your fingers. It happens to ALL of us, no matter how many years we have practiced and performed. The key is to stay calm and continue with the next trick, with a little humor even, if possible. Nothing is worse than making an audience feel sorry for you. Don't make excuses, don't stop the show. Just smile and keep going. Your audience will quickly forget the misfortune when your next effect is successful. And they will cheer your ability to recover. We are not trying to convince people that we are doing supernatural magic; they know and we know that it's all illusion, and sometimes our illusions may not work. We are forgiven (and many times liked even better) as long as we keep entertaining them!

RULE #3: Keep your secrets.

If your goal is to entertain your audience rather than challenge them to figure out "how it's done", they will be satisfied with your performance and won't pester you for the secrets. A magic trick examined by a spectator becomes only a puzzle, and loses its special character. Always remember that a trick is 90% presentation; the effect itself (and its secret) is merely a cleverly constructed prop. By revealing the secret, you are knocking down the admiration your audience had for you because you could do something that they could not. You are spoiling the mystery. Most people ask how tricks work because they secretly hope that the method is some mysterious, little-known principle; when they find out how simply the trick works, they are disappointed in the trick and in you.

Performed well, magic is wonderful for both the audience and the performer. The magician who takes the time to follow these three rules will enjoy countless moments of true magic.