The Spa Lover's Guide to Europe. Marc Lemezma

      BEHIND THE SCENES

      The secret is so simple that it’s almost obvious, yet it fools people every time. The envelopes are marked (in a devilishly undetectable manner).

      The diagram explains virtually all you need to know. Plain brown envelopes are best, as they do not show up any dirt or finger marks you might leave while preparing them. Make sure they are large enough to accommodate a few coins, a ring, a watch or whatever.

      With a sharp craft knife and a ruler simply straighten the diagonal edges of the flaps on the envelope. Designs of envelope vary, so the diagram gives an exaggerated example for you to adapt.

      For each performance you will need to make a set of three envelopes.

      Put these envelopes in your pocket, perhaps with one or two other letters, and you are all set.

      THE PERFORMANCE

      This effect really benefits from the suspense and byplay you create. It would be all too easy simply to hand the three envelopes out to their owners immediately, but any impact would be completely lost.

      Begin by explaining about psychometry and vibrations, and select your three helpers. It’s worth choosing people whom you know at least a little because your knowledge of them will help you to stretch out your revelations. It also helps if you don’t choose three people who are sitting right next to each other (they will be less tempted to swap envelopes).

      • Envelope one, with the left-hand flap edge straightened.

      • Envelope two, with the right-hand flap edge straightened.

      • Envelope three, untouched.

      Ask if they have a small personal object on them, but make sure they don’t show you before you leave the room. Hand out the three envelopes, making sure you remember who gets which one.

      Upon your return, ask for each envelope, determine which is which by virtue of the doctored flaps. The tricky work is now complete: all you need do is play-act. Avoid handling the envelopes too much, as it may seem as though you’re trying to feel the contents.

      When you have acted for a while, hand over the first envelope to the appropriate person, explaining why you think it’s theirs. Next hold out the second envelope and pause. The suspense can be built by addressing the wrong person, as we did with Matthew in the story. You must decide from what you know of your helpers how to play this part.

      Finally, you have to hand the third envelope back. This could be seen as an anti-climax, so again you have to use your wiles to work out something interesting or poignant to say to your third person. You might want to open their envelope and use the enclosed item to help with this. For example, if it contained some money, you might say, ‘I could have guessed you would have been motivated by money without being a mind-reader.’ Then give a wry smile, creating some uncertainty as to whether you are joking or not.

       FINAL THOUGHTS

      This trick teaches valuable lessons about timing and influencing your audience’s attention. You should attempt to convey the impression that you are a caring and sensitive person. Your comments to the helpers, such as those made to Matthew, can easily be taken the wrong way. So be warm and your audience will warm to you.