"That helps! You can tell a lot from how people talk, or dress. Sometimes you need to feel them out a little before you start your performance. Small talk really can help, or making little jokes. But you should do what's most comfortable for you, my dear."

Gen gave her an encouraging smile. "Very very right. People don't like to feel stupid, or laughed at. You certainly don't want to make people feel humiliated by your magic. When they realize they've been tricked - hopefully they'll laugh at the performance, or feel impressed, or awed. The less obvious your trick is, the more impressed they should be."

His smile warm and gentle, he said, "Let me see you back-palm that flower again. Then, I'll show you how to do this -"

Though his hands looked empty, he reached forward and appeared to pull the Ace of Spades out from behind the girl's ear.