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Yes Man by Chris Frost

Created by: Chris Frost

The 'Yes Man' trick is a mentalism and performance-based magic trick that encourages a philosophy of saying 'yes' to opportunities, inspired by Danny Wallace's book 'Yes Man'. The trick involves engaging the audience with a narrative about embracing new experiences, often incorporating elements of surprise and audience interaction. It is suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage performances, blending storytelling with magical effects to create a memorable and inspiring experience.

Key features

  • Blends mentalism with performance theory

  • Encourages audience interaction and engagement

  • Inspired by the philosophy of saying 'yes' to opportunities

  • Suitable for various performance settings (close-up, parlour, stage)

Pros

  • Inspirational and motivational

  • Highly engaging for audiences

  • Versatile for different performance styles

  • Strong narrative element enhances the magical effect

Cons

  • Requires strong storytelling skills

  • May not suit performers who prefer purely visual tricks

  • Dependent on audience participation for full effect

Effect

The Yes Man trick is a mentalism routine where the performer appears to predict a word or phrase chosen by an audience member from a book. The effect is clean and direct—no force, no pre-show work, and no complicated setups. The spectator freely selects any word from a real book, and the magician reveals it with impossible accuracy.

Full Details

  • Method: The trick relies on a cleverly constructed book that allows the performer to know the chosen word without any sleight of hand or suspicious handling.
  • Presentation: The book can be handed out, examined, and even kept by the spectator after the performance.
  • Versatility: Works in close-up, stage, or virtual settings.
  • Reset: Instant—no preparation needed between performances.

Who Should Consider the Trick

  • Mentalists looking for a direct, foolproof book test.
  • Close-up magicians who want a strong, self-contained routine.
  • Performers who dislike traditional book tests with complicated handling.
  • Anyone who wants a reliable, repeatable effect with minimal effort.

Difficulty

  • Skill Level: Beginner-friendly. No advanced sleight of hand required.
  • Performance Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The challenge lies in presentation rather than mechanics.
  • Practice Needed: Minimal—the method is straightforward, but scripting and audience management will enhance the effect.

What Magicians Say

  • Chris Frost (AlakazamMagicUK) praises the Yes Man trick for its simplicity and impact, calling it "a fooling, self-working book test that feels like real magic." He highlights its versatility, noting that it works just as well for stage shows as it does for close-up performances.
  • Other reviewers mention that the Yes Man trick is "one of the cleanest book tests available"—no suspicious moves, no forced choices, and no need for pre-show work.
  • Many appreciate that the book can be handled and examined freely, making it ideal for skeptical audiences.

If you're looking for a powerful, easy-to-perform book test that leaves no room for suspicion, Yes Man is a strong contender.

What people are saying about Yes Man

Chris Frost says...

The 'Yes Man' trick embodies my philosophy of saying 'yes' to opportunities. It's not just a trick; it's a life lesson wrapped in magic.

Review videos