There are two rules of misdirection involving your eyes.

• If you look at something, the spectators will look at it.
• If you look at the spectators, they will look at you.

This is why you should never look at your hands when performing a sleight.

It is a good idea to look into the spectators eyes, whilst doing a secret move. This is better still, if you can talk to them at the same time, a funny line, perhaps!

If someone is determined to stare at your hands, you simply look straight at them and talk. They will then look right back at you, you can do your move and continue. It’s only polite for them to do so, besides they can’t actually help themselves, it’s human nature!

All too frequently, magicians can destroyed good effects through poor use of misdirection. Properly used, misdirection can allow you to make moves you could never otherwise have made without being caught.