PK Touch by Harry Nardi
Created by: Harry Nardi
Key features
Prop-free and impromptu, allowing performance anywhere without setup
Versatile for different performance environments, from casual to stage
Strong emotional impact on audiences, enhancing engagement
Requires mastery of delivery and patter for optimal effect
Can be learned from resources like Jamie Daws' 'Tackling Terrifying Taboos 2' course
Pros
No need for props, making it highly accessible and spontaneous
Produces strong audience reactions, including emotional responses
Instant reset allows for repeated performances
Portable and easy to carry, as it relies on skill rather than equipment
Cons
Requires precise delivery and practice to avoid detection
Dependent on engaging patter to maintain audience interest
Lighting conditions can affect the trick's effectiveness in some contexts
Effect
The PK Touch is a magic trick where the magician appears to read a spectator's mind using only a simple touch. The performer touches the spectator's hand or arm and then reveals a personal thought or piece of information. The effect can produce strong audience reactions, including laughter, gasping, and in some cases, even moving spectators to tears. It creates the illusion of a genuine psychic connection.
Full details
PK Touch is an impromptu trick, meaning it can be performed anywhere at any time. It requires no props or gimmicks, making it highly versatile for both casual social situations and more formal stage-like performances. The method is entirely psychological and relies on the magician's skill in presentation and audience management. The trick is known for its strong emotional impact on spectators.
Who should consider the trick
This trick is suitable for magicians who perform in close-up or social settings. It is ideal for performers who want to add a powerful, prop-free mentalism effect to their repertoire. Because it relies heavily on presentation and patter, it is a good choice for magicians interested in developing their storytelling skills and creating a deep connection with their audience. Christopher Taylor, a pioneer in electronic mentalism, includes PK Touch among his desert island picks, indicating its value for serious performers.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The technical method behind PK Touch is not overly complex. However, its success depends significantly on the performer's delivery and confidence. Harry Nardi shares that performing this trick helped build his own confidence, suggesting that practice is key to mastering the presentation. The trick requires precise delivery and engaging patter to be effective. While the core technique may be learned quickly, achieving the powerful reactions described by reviewers requires dedicated practice to perfect the performance.
What magicians say
Magicians highlight the powerful emotional impact of PK Touch. Harry Nardi describes it as a "stunning impromptu trick" that can leave audiences "laughing, gasping, or even moved to tears." He credits Jamie Daws for teaching him the trick and recommends Jamie Daws' 'Tackling Terrifying Taboos 2' for mastering it. The trick is noted for its versatility across different performance environments.
Christopher Taylor, a respected creator, lists PK Touch as one of his essential desert island tricks, reflecting its high regard among professional mentalists. In a review of Yigal Mesika's Loops Legends, Scott Perry also mentions an "Invisible Touch/PK Touch" routine by Colin McLeod, showing that the principle is versatile enough to be adapted into other types of magic, like loop work, for creating floating or animation effects. The consensus is that PK Touch is a powerful tool for creating memorable magical moments.
What people are saying about PK Touch
AlakazamMagicUK says...
Harry Nardi's 'PK Touch' is a stunning impromptu trick that requires no props, making it perfect for any situation. The magician appears to read a spectator's mind with just a touch, often leaving audiences laughing, gasping, or even moved to tears.
Christopher Taylor says...
When asked to choose the tricks he would take to a desert island, Christopher Taylor selected PK Touch / Real Ghost, reflecting his innovative and narrative-driven style that challenges the idea that 'there's no such thing as magic'.
EverythingMagicPro99 says...
He even used one of the routines (a levitating ring effect) in a recent social media post, proving its real-world applicability, and highlights 'Invisible Touch/PK Touch' by Colin McLeod as a performance highlight.
magic-tv says...
He discusses learning techniques like PK Touch and Lennart Green's Snap Deal, offering detailed answers and personal insights in an interactive Q&A session.
Review videos
Yigal Mesika Loops Legends Review (yes. Yes. YES!)
EverythingMagicPro99 mentioned this magic trick in this video.
THIS TRICK WILL GET YOU GIGS!?! - 2 DECKS 1 CUT WITH HARRY NARDI EPISODE 1 (MAGIC REVIEW SHOW)
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Other videos
Getting Gigs As A Younger Magician, Andy Put Q&A Takeover & More | Q&A With Craig Petty
magic-tv mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Christopher Taylor's Desert Island Tricks
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.