One of the biggest challenges employers face today is creating an environment that keeps their employees engaged, happy, and productive. And while there are plenty of ways to create that environment in a day-to-day landscape, many employers plan things like holiday parties, staff appreciation events, and more to help show their appreciation to the employees who keep the lights on. The downside? A lot of times, those events can, shall we say…fall short. They’re boring, there’s no excitement, and it winds up being another place where employees watch the clock while waiting to leave. So, how do you fix this? Three words: Get. Great. Entertainment. As a magician who has turned many a corporate gathering from an event to endure into a night to remember, I've seen firsthand how a dash of dazzle can skyrocket morale and turn grumbles into a gleeful hum of productivity that lasts far longer than the event itself. THE ILLUSION OF AN ENGAGED WORKPLACE The First Trick – Building a Shared Experience Imagine the energy in the room when the focus is not on spreadsheets but on the collective awe that unites the entire staff. A magician's act, a stand-up comedian, or a live band doesn't just provide a spectacle; it crafts a shared memory, a bonding experience that makes the hard work seem part of a grander and happier narrative. Hiring a magician for your event is a GREAT idea. It’s entertaining, engaging, and most importantly, different. But many magicians will offer several options for your event, and it can all boil down to two different kinds of performances. A stage show, or close-up performances.
So, which do you choose? Are you better off with the intimate, up-close-and-personal marvels of close-up magic, or a stage performance that engages the entire crowd? Or, both? In this article, we’ll break it down for you! First, What’s The Difference? Since this may be the first time you’re hiring a magician, let’s go over the basics of Stage vs. Close-up. A stage show, is, indeed, a stage show. It happens in front of a crowd, on stage (or a dance floor, or a corner of the room, etc.), for everyone to watch at once. Depending on the event and the venue, it can resemble anything from a stand-up comedy show to a grand Las-Vegas-Style magic act, to a banquet presentation. But, no matter the scale, it’s a show that everyone watches at once while seated in an audience. However, because a magic show is, well, magic show, even a stage show for a thousand people can engaging, interactive, and astounding. It’s a great experience that the whole room gets to not only experience together, but interact with in real time. Close-up magic refers to a type of performance during which the audience is within arms' reach of the magician. Typically, close-up magic can be presented in one of two ways. The first is roaming or walk-around performances; the magician moves from group to group around the room, performing magic for a few people at a time. The second is a stationary show; people come to the magician, where he performs a small-scale close-up show before the group leaves the table. In either situation, the magic is up-close, personal and happens right in the spectator’s hands. So, you’ve hired a magician or mentalist for your event. Yet, it still seems stressful…after all, you’ve shelled out the big bucks for entertainment for your guests, and you want it to be amazing, right? I get it…you want your event to be as memorable as possible, including the entertainment. And while most professional magicians can put on an incredible show, there are some things that you can do to make sure your entertainer has the best chance to wow your guests. So I thought I’d share some tips to make sure your entertainment is spectacular! 1. READ. THE. RIDER.
When you hire a top-tier entertainer, they will have a rider. This document outlines the needs, requirements, or expectations of the performer and generally covers things like lighting, sound, stage setup, and more. This document is essentially a checklist for what the performer needs to put on a great show for you and your guests. Generally, these riders are relatively simple, especially for corporate events or audiences. But, in some cases, some things may need addressing before the event to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Make sure that you read the rider thoroughly, from beginning to end. Most entertainers (the good ones, at least) will be more than willing to help if you have any questions or work around any limitations you, your event, or your venue may also have. And make sure you reach out with plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments or arrangements. Human beings are social creatures.
And a LARGE portion of our brain is dedicated to communication. Spoken words, music, facial expressions, body language…our brain sees it all. And no matter where you work, who you are, or what language you speak, there are ways you can use this psychology to help. Using your communication skills and body language to your advantage can make a lasting impact and help you be more persuasive to the people around you. While you think this may be something just for corporate professionals in high-profile organizations, this can be helpful for anybody. Understanding how critical persuasive communication skills are can be a huge advantage in any setting. So, what techniques can help you improve your communication skills and become a persuasive speaker? 1. Body Language and Mirroring When it comes to influencing others, your body language speaks louder than your words. Reading others' body language is an essential skill that can help you understand their thoughts and feelings. By understanding their non-verbal cues, you can tailor your message to communicate more effectively. Be aware of any signs of anxiety, stress, confidence, or other non-verbal signals. In turn, Use non-verbal cues such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body posture to convey your message confidently. You can also adopt mirroring techniques when you're speaking with someone to show that you’re listening to them. By examining someone’s posture, physical actions, or speaking patterns, you can subtly copy those actions. This can communicate familiarity and help with… Whether you’re a corporate professional in a high-profile company, a customer shopping around for the latest and greatest products, a student, a homemaker, or anything in between, there are a lot of things that can affect how we see and interact with the world.
We often overlook the psychological factors that influence our decisions. It's easy to believe that we make rational and objective choices, but the truth is that our minds are subject to countless biases and cognitive errors that affect our judgment. Some of these biases are well-known, such as confirmation bias and the halo effect, but others are lesser-known and more peculiar. So today, I want to explore seven quirky psychological biases that you've probably never heard of and how they can impact your work and life. 1. The Dunning-Kruger Effect The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people overestimate their abilities or knowledge. The effect was named after David Dunning and Justin Kruger, who conducted a study in 1999 that found that incompetent people often lack the skills to recognize their own incompetence. As a result, they overestimate their abilities and are more confident than competent individuals. This bias can manifest in the workplace when employees who lack competence believe they are performing well and resist feedback or training. 2. The IKEA Effect The IKEA effect is a cognitive bias in which people overvalue things they've invested effort into creating. The effect is named after the Swedish furniture company IKEA, which sells furniture in flat boxes that customers assemble themselves. Studies have found that people who assemble IKEA furniture rate it higher in quality and value than people who receive the furniture pre-assembled. This bias can apply to projects in the workplace when individuals value their contributions more highly because of the effort they've put into them. Despite the lighting-fast development of AI, humans are still the best when it comes to creativity and innovation.
But daily tasks, deadlines, and office politics can often leave people feeling drained and uninspired. But what if I told you there was a simple solution to not only add some excitement and novelty to the workplace to fight off burnout but also help increase the creativity within you and your team? If you’re asking, “Jeff, what kind of magic is this that you speak of?” Well, um…it’s…it’s magic. Magic will help you do that. But how? Well, to help you understand, I’ve listed 5 reasons why magic can boost creativity and inspire innovation in you, your co-workers, your staff, your company, and your work environment. 1. The Power of Wonder: Do you remember how big and amazing the world felt when you were a kid? It seemed like anything was possible. And because of that, kids are incredibly creative. So, why not channel that as an adult? Awe and inspiration are key ingredients to unlocking creativity, and magic has a unique ability to create these emotions. Whether it’s through illusions, sleight of hand, or mind-bending tricks, magic transports us to a place where anything is possible, opening our minds to new and imaginative ideas. By incorporating magic into your team-building activities or meetings, you can break the monotony of the workday and create a sense of wonder and excitement, prime conditions for fostering creativity. |
Jeff Newman:
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