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Learning Patter

Guttman, Ron

Black Derby Entertainment

(Based on 1 review)
If you must make presentations before a live audience, then Learning Patter is for you! If you've never scripted your magic, this little booklet will help you get your head around it. Not only does it give you a road map for structuring your words and thoughts, it gives you tips on how to personalize (very important), memorize, rehearse and present that material.

There's no lengthy theory here, just down to earth straight talk; a primer on the tools that can and will elevate your performance. There's something here for everyone: magicians, story-tellers, corporate speakers and actors alike. Also important notes on two important subjects: breathing and relaxation. I feel anything that opens our eyes to new thoughts and raises our own levels of awareness needs to be read, then followed. This is such a book.

Reviews

Bryce Kuhlman

Official Reviewer

Apr 05, 2012

It has been said that good things sometimes come in small packages. That's certainly true of this little 20-page booklet by Ron Guttman.

To be fair, I should tell you that Ron is a friend. He was a regular attendee at the Mystery Schools in the '90s. However, we had lost track of each other until very recently when he emailed me and asked if I would review this booklet. However, as always, I will remain as impartial as humanly possible.

Let's start with the Introduction. It was written by Bob Fitch, who says "There's no lengthy theory here, just down-to-earth straight talk; a primer on the tools that can and will elevate your performance." In case you've been living in a hole for the past 40 years, Bob Fitch is a veteran Broadway performer and has coached some of the greatest names in magic. Quite simply: he's the best.

What Bob says is absolutely correct. This is a how-to book, not a book of philosophy. Ron provides you with time-tested practical advice that is well-known by actors but rarely talked about amongst magicians.

And don't be fooled by the title. This isn't just a book on memorization. It's also very much about how to make the script yours. You'll find information on scene analysis, subtext, improvisation and breath control.

If you're a speaking performer, this is a must-have.
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