Let me ask you something.
When was the last time you picked up a new skill or hobby that made people gasp, laugh, and say, “Do that again!” all at once?
For me, that was magic. And honestly?
For me, it’s more than just a skill or hobby — it’s allowed me to travel the world and create unforgettable memories and experiences.
I’ve been performing magic for just under a decade. So far, magic has taken me around the world performing on luxury cruise ships, in top comedy clubs, at celebrity events, and even in London’s West End… and here’s what I’ve learnt:
Magic sharpens your mind, builds your confidence, and makes you genuinely more interesting to be around. (Nothing breaks the ice better than magic.)
Here’s how:
Confidence – Magic Teaches You How to Talk to People
When you perform a trick, you’re not just doing a move — you’re communicating.
You’re telling a story, building tension, or even slipping in a few jokes. My style of magic is conversational — I ask questions, get to know people — so for me, it’s more than just a trick.
Magic forces you out of your shell. You learn to make eye contact (or misdirect it), control a room, and most importantly… think on the spot.
I’ve seen shy kids light up after learning just one trick — like they’ve suddenly found their voice. That’s real power.
Reading – Magic Might Be the First Reason You Want to Pick Up a Book
A lot of magic comes from books — and I don’t mean textbooks. I mean old-school manuals of mystery. My first magic book? Mysterio’s Encyclopaedia of Magic and Conjuring.
If you’re not a big reader (like me), magic can be a great gateway. You’re gaining a physical skill while discovering the history and secrets behind it.
You’re not just reading — you’re building a toolbox of sleights, secrets, and knowledge passed down by magic greats like Harry Houdini.
Problem Solving – Think Three Steps Ahead
In a good magic trick, you’re often doing something that sets up a moment 20 seconds later — before the audience even knows the trick has started.
Learning magic trains you to think ahead, break things down, and find creative solutions. After a while, you’ll start ‘jazzing’ — that’s when you make up tricks on the spot using sleights you’ve mastered.
Memory – You’ll Surprise Yourself
Whether it’s memorising a sequence of moves, a script, or the order of a shuffled deck (or what seems like the order to your audience), magic keeps your memory sharp.
The mix of physical and mental effort helps build a stronger, more agile memory — and the best part is, because it’s fun, it never feels like work.
Hand-Eye Coordination – Sleight of Mind
Magic isn’t just in your head — it’s in your hands.
Palming a coin, controlling a card, switching something without anyone noticing — it all takes precision, timing, and awareness. These skills naturally improve your dexterity, focus, and coordination.
Misdirection – Controlling Attention
Magic teaches you how to guide people’s attention, distracting them from the moment something important is happening.
And once you understand misdirection, you start to notice it everywhere — in conversations, marketing, sales, even social media.
Understanding how people process information sharpens your awareness and improves your communication skills. It helps you think fast, be more creative, and influence situations with confidence.
So, Why Should You Learn a Bit of Magic?
If I haven’t already convinced you, here’s one more reason: because it’s fun.
But also — here’s a wee story.
I once gave a presentation on the P&O cruise ship Iona, where I taught a few simple tricks during a mini magic masterclass. A year later, while performing on Arvia, the sister ship, a girl came up to me and said she’d attended that masterclass.
She told me she was in a university interview where they asked her to teach something in a presentation style. She remembered the trick, had practised it, and was able to focus fully on her delivery.
She later followed up to say she’d been offered a place on the doctorate course.
And honestly?
We could all use a little more magic in our lives.
If you want to start learning, Keep an eye out on my website and socials as soon i will be launching a course called ‘Learn Magic Fast – Easy Tricks from a Pro Magician.’ stay tuned.
