Hello everyone,
I was chosen to give a speech that serves as praise for a colleague (and good friend) who is leaving the department in my university. I didn't want to just give an old "He was great, and we'll miss him" speech, and thought this might be a good time for a magic trick. I had done a magic effect (Cataclysm) for a student orientation in June (a massive hit, by the way), and so pulling out a magic trick won't be so bizarre. Does anyone have an idea for a "you were great, and we'll miss you" theme that can be applied to an effect?
A few points I need to consider:
-I'm not sure if there will be a stage, so I'm assuming I'll be on floor-level with everyone else (I'm short!), and may be surrounded;
-probably 40-50 guests;
-English is the second language for at least half of the guests;
-guests will be drinking and chatting, so it'll be a relaxed environment;
-time is not an issue;
-I won't be able to use a table, so something in the hands for all to see; and
-I have a month to prepare (although ideas would be helpful for future situations, and hopefully useful to other readers).
Some thoughts:
-I thought Blank Night might be good, and I could put a goodbye card or his "final paycheck" in the last envelope, but I would need to replace "SEX" with something else.
-I also thought the ol' "3 1/2 of Clubs" would be funny if presented as a bet ("If I win, you have to stay in the department.") I have a jumbo card so I could pull it out of my jacket pocket and everyone would be able to see the revelation.
-I have Ton Onosaka's "Lucky Lady" routine, which comes with a great prop, but I haven't been able to work in the "farewell" angle. Also, it would be difficult if surrounded.
-I also have Onosaka's "Tonte" (his version of 3-card monte), but, again, I can't think of a "farewell" angle other than the "bet" idea mentioned above.
-Amazebox would be a interesting prop to bring (I have the original, so I think it can only hold 30ish billets, if I'm not mistaken), but what should I ask them to write that is related to the farewell? Also, it's a close-knit group, so they would be able to talk about their answers after the effect.
what do you think of these ideas? Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
D.