In the world of theatrical illusion, misdirection is a method of deceit in which the performer attracts attention of the audience to a certain item to distract them from another. Managing audience attention is the main goal of any theatre, and is the primary prerequisite for all magic shows. Whether the magic is of an “pocket trick” variety or a large stage productionthat relies on misdirection, it is the primary element. The term refers to either the effect (the the focus of the observer on the unimportant object) or the sleight-of-hand or the patter (the magician’s speech) which creates it.
It is difficult to say who first coined the phrase, however the first reference to misdirection can be found in the writings of an influential author and magician, Nevil Maskelyne: Admittedly, it consists of misleading the spectator’s senses, in order to screen from detection certain details that require secrecy. Around the same time, the magicianand artist Harlan Tarbell noted, Nearly the whole art of illusion relies on this art of misdirection.
Some magicians who have studied and developed techniques for misdirection include Jon Finch, Max Malini, Derren Brown, Tommy Wonder, Juan Tamariz, Tony Slydini along with Dai Vernon.
Henry Hay describes the central act of conjuring as a manipulation of interest.
Some magicians can divert attention from the audience by using two fundamental ways. The first is to make the audience turn their attention away for a short time, so that they do not notice a sleight or move. The other method alters the perception of the audience, lulling them into thinking that something else is a significant factor in the performance when it really has no bearing on the effect at all. Dariel Fitzkee notes that The true skill of the magician is the ability that he displays in manipulating the mind of the audience. Sometimes, a prop such as a magic wand aids in distraction.
Misdirection is the cornerstone of most successful magic. Without misdirection, even the most skilled sleight-of-hand or mechanical device will fail to produce an illusion of true magic.
Misdirection makes use of the limitations of the human mind to present a false image and memory. The brain of a typical audience member can only concentrate on one thing at a time. The magician makes use of this to influence the viewers’ thoughts or perceptions of sensory inputwhich leads them to incorrect conclusion.
Some magicians have debated over the usage of the termmisdirection, creating many discussions regarding what it is and how it operates. Renowned magician Jon Finch made a distinction between direction and misdirection. The first is a negative phrase, while the other is a positive. In the end, he sees the two as the same thing. If a performer any means, has led the thoughts of the audience to the conclusion that he’s done something that he’s not accomplished, he has incorrectly led them to believe this; hence, misdirection.
Tommy Wonder has pointed out that it is much more efficient, from a magician’s viewpointin focusing on the positive aim of directing the attention of the audience. He writes that misdirection suggests wrong direction. It implies that attention is directed away towards something. By constantly using this termit becomes it is ingrained into our brains that we might start to perceive misdirection as directing attention away from rather than toward something.
Tony Slydini explained that if the magician believe that, the audience will believe it and the magic they can’t observe. It is true that people believe what the magician does and then follow the magician. misdirection website
