Predict Their Word

EFFECT

You show the spectator a long piece of paper with a list of words down it. You tell them that they're going to randomly select a word. You then write a prediction word on a different piece of paper, which you hand to them to hold for the trick.

You hold the list of words facing away from the spectator and hold a pair of scissors next to the paper as if you're about to cut it.

You proceed to move the scissors up and down, asking the spectator to instruct you to stop at any time they choose.

They say stop. You say "are you sure? would you like me to move up or down an inch?" They say no.

You then cut the paper in half at the exact point where they stopped you. You pick the piece up off the floor, stating that you cut the word they stopped you at right in half, as you line the paper up at the cut, demonstrating this.

You ask them to look at the prediction they are holding. It is their word!

EXPLANATION

This powerful piece of mentalism is actually rather simple to do!

To prepare, go to your computer and type out a list of say 30 random words. The important thing is that the first and last words must be the same word. Increase the line spacing and print it out.

Trim the width of the paper to leave about an inch either side of the words, and cut the bottom and top of the paper, cuttong the end words in half. The top and bottom must match up, so it seems like a single word has been cut in half. Make sure the witdh at the top and bottom are also exactly the same. You're set to perform the trick.

Briefly show the list of words to the spectator, stating that they are all different.

Proceed to write a prediction on a seperate piece of paper, fold it up and ask them to hold it until the end of the magic trick.

Hold the list facing yourself in front of you, upside-down. (Don't make it obvious the list is upside-down.)

Hold the scissors open over the list, as if you're about to cut it. Start moving the scissors up and down slowly and ask them to stop you at any point in the list. When they do, ask them if they'd like to change their mind. Make absolutely sure they're happy with the point where they stopped you.

Cut the paperwhere they stopped you, in between two words. Allow the bottom piece to fall to the floor.