The title of this review is the review I would give to this lecture if I had to sum it up in one word. I might also choose 'condescending', 'dull', 'unfunny'.

Now, on that last one you might be saying to yourself, "Well, Marc is not a comedy performer, so it's unfair to describe him as unfunny." No, it's not. He makes a lot of what he seems to think are funny comments and jokes, and, at best, they might elicit forced, polite laughter from a live audience feeling the pressure to respond. Me? I was rolling my eyes.
And, yes, difficult to watch with all the rambling and swaying back and forth. Complete lack of stage presence.

Going on an on constantly about how wonderful it is that your entire show is assembled from stuff at Staples is a waste of time. Who cares? The implication is that somehow any apparatus fancier than a bic pen or a piece of poster board makes you less of a legitimate performer, which is, of course, a colossal load of bs.

If this is an example of Salem's performances, then count me out. It's everything that makes mentalism so boring to many people. Maybe the condescending attitude was only because it was for an audience of magicians, in which case I say don't bother, then.

Was there some good information in the lecture? Sure. But nothing that couldn't be gleamed from much more enjoyable sources. This lecture, regardless of any information shared, was an endurance test.

Avoid this and revisit Annemann's writings. You'll gain a lot more. A whole lot more.

He looks like he doesn't want to stay there. He lacks of passion, lacks of emotion...
The most that I Iiked was the final interview.
I think that he is a great mentalism, but I didn't like his lecture at all.

I did get one routine from the lecture that I will play with. To be honest it was my least favorite of the lectures I have seen so far. Marc is a bit difficult to watch with all the swaying back and forth, etc., but as I said there was still at least one item I will play with so congrats for that.

Way too much fluff and chat,could have been half as long.But it had some good things as well.

Marc's lecture is PERFECT for those that want to put together a mentalism show, but get let down when they tune in and hear "pre-show" and expensive electronic gimmicks ( Marc's lecture is all organic ).

Marc doesn't do pre-show in his own work ( pre-show work is fantastic, but hobbyists don't feel comfortable using it ). He explains why he doesn't use it ( also why he doesn't even have any assistants ).

Marc teaches the EASIEST add a number method that has a giant payoff. No wallets or fancy gimmicks. Just a pen and index card!

This is one of THE BEST lectures Penguin has ever had!

Chris

I knew of Marc Salem's reputation and was eager to check out this lecture. I live about 90 minutes from the studio where these Penguin LIVE lectures originate, so I wanted to see Marc live and in person. I am so glad I did.

Marc has a fluid banter with the audience, and it's as if his gift of gab never stops. He is incredibly entertaining and funny.

His opening effect, The Gift, is one of those nice pieces that can fit in a variety of shows. The performer reads off a series of gifts to his helper, asking if she has any of them. Three spectators write down two-digit numbers. Once the total is added, another spectator chooses on of the digits. It corresponds to a number on the list of gifts. The gift is read, and it is found in a bag underneath the chair that has been there the whole time. Inside the bag there is also a receipt, and it is for the amount the numbers added up to. Nice, fun effect, and Marc teaches a classic principle to achieved the desired outcome.

Marc also performed two book tests. I am a big fan of book tests, and he shared two ungimmicked book tests. If you already use a commercially marketed effect, then having these methods available allows you to add layers and built on a routine. I like the two very much. Also, if you have repeat performances, having these two book tests in your arsenal allows for you to change up methods and books.

Marc teaches a straightforward, ungimmicked Bank Night routine. It is nice and allows for some interplay with your helpers.

One of the principles he taught (though he did not perform a routine using this principle) is how to use a certain kind of business card for a Q&A act. It is based on a classic principle, but Marc has streamlined it in such a way that I people write down the names of cities. I don't do readings either, but this method has me curious. Take your cards and a brown paper bag, and you have a serious piece of mentalism that can run long or short, depending upon your ability or desire. I like this a lot.

The promo material stated Marc would teach a right-brain/left-brain effect that was in the vein of Out of This World. He does not perform it or teach it, however, he mentions what he did with it during his interview with host Dan Harlan. You will need to know the OOTW method and know the difference between right- and left-brain activity to perform it, but it should not be much of a challenge if this interests you.

Marc was delightful, engaging, funny and entertaining. It was a treat.

I won't lie about the presenter of this lecture, Mr. Marc Salem, he is quite a slow talker, rather unenthusiastic in his presentation...which is unfortunate because the material is so insanely clever you're wondering why he isn't jumping in excitment, slickest add a number piece, cleverest book test material, a genius handling of classical Q & A slips, its just a great lecture if you are willing to add your own excitement to the lecture (because the lecturer sort of failed to be awed by his own genius)

It was nice to see a guy that you could go out and have a pizza and beer with and then see his show and feel he was the same guy. Very down to earth, funny, and delivered great material, but the gems were not in the material, they were in his insight.
I think anyone who has seen some of these lectures may already know or have recently learned that the pudding is not the trick, it's all of the thinking behind it. Marc shared much of his thinking and insight with an honest, funny approach as is his material, and yet very real world working stuff. One of the best lectures here, so get off your butt, wait you're at the computer; just sit, buy it, and watch it! :)

If you only are looking for new trics dont buy.
But the real valuer is the insight you get and the last hour of the lecture when Mr.Harland and Mr.Salem talked was gold IMHO.
There are a reason why some have success in our art and others (myself included) not so much.
I personally really don't need to learn more effects.
I want to learn how to become a better performer-thinker-constructing a better show etc.

The content is good if you can avoid listening to his irritating sense of humor and insider jokes with the host. He isn’t funny and should adopt a more serious straight forward approach. His current style makes it difficult to enjoy...with all due respect to his talent and his craft.