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SCEPTIC BUSTERS
For the “it won’t work on me” types
1 OF 5 THIS SESSION• RANDOMLY SELECTED
YOUR TRICK
THE MAGNETIC FINGERS
A brilliant first challenge for the person who says, “This won’t work on me.”
01
WHAT THEY SEE
They interlace their fingers, leave the two index fingers apart, and try to keep them separated. Without you touching them, the fingertips begin drifting together as though a magnet is pulling them in.
02
WHAT YOU SAY
Let’s make this difficult for me — because I know you’re sceptical.
Clasp your hands together and leave just your two index fingers pointing upwards with a small gap between them.
Now keep those fingers apart. Really notice the space between them.
Imagine there is a magnet on the tip of each finger and those magnets have just switched on.
You do not need to help me. In fact, try to keep the gap exactly as it is while you watch what the fingers do by themselves.
The pull gets stronger... the gap gets smaller... and those fingertips can move closer and closer.
There it is. Let them touch, then relax your hands.
03
HOW TO DO IT
- Ask them to interlace their fingers and clasp the hands comfortably, then extend only the two index fingers with a small gap between them.
- Make sure the gap is modest — around 2 to 4 cm is plenty. A huge gap creates unnecessary strain.
- Tell them they do not need to cooperate by deliberately moving the fingers. Their job is simply to watch and notice.
- Direct attention to the space between the fingertips and introduce the magnetic image.
- Slow your delivery once you see the first tiny inward movement. Use that movement as evidence: “That’s it — already starting.”
- Allow the fingertips to meet naturally, then immediately tell them to relax and separate the hands.
- Do not over-explain the mechanics afterwards. The point is the experience of an involuntary-feeling response, not pretending you used supernatural power.
04
MAKE IT LOOK RIDICULOUSLY GOOD
THE SHOWMAN’S EDGE
01Use this first with a vocal sceptic because the setup sounds almost like a challenge and requires very little belief or imagination.
02Say “try to keep the gap exactly as it is” calmly, not aggressively. The paradox makes the movement more noticeable without turning it into a contest.
03Watch the gap, not their face, until movement starts. The moment you notice it, lower your voice rather than getting excited too early.
04Do not touch their hands. The visual is much stronger when the audience can see there is no physical interference.
05If the fingers move only a little, treat that as the effect. Never keep pushing for a dramatic closure once the response is obvious.
06Finish cleanly: fingertips meet, hands relax, smile, move straight on to the next demonstration.
Hands should be clasped comfortably, not squeezed. Stop if there is finger, wrist or hand pain.
SAFE • RESPECTFUL • SERIOUSLY IMPRESSIVE