The WTF Reaction

[aznofspades]

Now before you guys start saying that as a performer I shouldn't aim for this exclusively, let me explain:

I know that their are other reactions, but this is the one that I aim for PRIMARILY because it is satisfying, it helps my nerves and goes with my performing character.

In Designing Miracles, Darwin Ortiz talks about the "No Way" reaction being the best because it shows that you have an effect without a possible cause in the spectator's mind. I personally think that the "WTF" reaction is simply a more profane version of it.
_____
What do you think are the factors that lead up to this reaction?

My thoughts:

a simple easy to understand effect
a convincing execution of the method
enough layers of deception
a defining and "impossible" climax

an expressive crowd member
an appropriate environment

?

 

[penguincdude]

-something seemingly very hard (but not quite impossible)
-something that people try and fail on a regular basis
-something that suprises people

that's really all can think of right now

 

[MagicSanj]

What do you think are the factors that lead up to this reaction?

Maybe you just performed Pressure...

Oh, and the expressive audience member too...

-Sanj

 

[MagicShadow9]

What i believe causes that is this: No explanation is provided.

In every effect, it's best to not provide an explanation, even if it's an impossible one. For example, if during a prediction effect, you say you can predict the future, then the audience will think "That's a pretty cool ability that he has." But as opposed to if you didn't mention anything about being psychic, the audience will have no explanation, and that's what causes the "No way!"

 

[CaseyC]

What i believe causes that is this: No explanation is provided.

In every effect, it's best to not provide an explanation, even if it's an impossible one. For example, if during a prediction effect, you say you can predict the future, then the audience will think "That's a pretty cool ability that he has." But as opposed to if you didn't mention anything about being psychic, the audience will have no explanation, and that's what causes the "No way!"

You mention a very good point there.

 

[speedypetey64]

How about

-if you dont do it with regular playing cards, then the cards you pick (suit, number, face card)

 

[liam-k]

Maybe you just performed Pressure...

Oh, and the expressive audience member too...

-Sanj

Pressure i WTF everytime i practice it

I love doing pressure its just sooo unbelievibly fun lol

 

[Mr.Texas]

-something seemingly very hard (but not quite impossible)
-something that people try and fail on a regular basis
-something that suprises people

that's really all can think of right now

A penis?
(word count)

 

[praetoritevong]

One factor. An element which is extremely shocking, surprising, or otherwise outside of the norm.

e.g. Punching the dude's girlfriend will elicit a WTF reaction.

Note, I don't have anything against the WTF reaction; and I'm not gonna preach about it to you - but if you do aim for this, just make sure it's for the right reasons - amazement rather than confusion or logical reasons (by logical I mean there isn't a problem with the construction of the effect).

 

[LuseifHo]

A penis?
(word count)

HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA
"lemme show you something"
*zip* *phlap*
"WTF"
*punch*
"tadaaaaaaa"
*falls unconcious with is privates sticking out in the middle of somewhere public*

The things I think make the WTF are:
-Impossible effect. Not just a demonstration or something. Like something they understand and relate to be knows its impossible. EG Levitating their car, making their grandma hot, grow their cats fur in seconds.
-The unthought of element. If they have ever considered the effect you are about to do, they wont find it amazing. If you are about to show the climax and they go like "wait hes not going to do that is he?" or what ever, then its plausible. Make it a unthinkable idea EG turning their shoe into a pig.
-Twist in the trick. If they expect something, it happens, then a twist, thats the best damn thing ever. I perform Split Decision regularly and it has always gotten a WTF. it helps that the effect is so damn awesome, but the "oh wait...... damn i think I did it wrong" just builds up for the "WAIT WAIT WAIT!lemme try something here...." at this point they still dont know what you are going to do! that is what I call a good trick.