Cold Reading MagiCassette by Richard Webster (Lybrary.com Download)

[Michael L.]

Format: Digital Download
Publisher: Originally released as a MagiCassette (later MagiCD); downloaded from Lybrary.com
Cost: $14 (the combination of 2 $7 downloads)

The first in Webster's Cold Reading line, I first discovered this gem about 6 years ago when Phil at US Toy found an unsold milk crate full of MagiCassettes in his warehouse.  I think I paid $5 for it on tape and wore it out.  I even bought a portable cassette player (at the dollar store!) because listening in the car was not enough.  Lybrary.com recently acquired the Martin Breese material and makes them available as MP3 downloads.  Finally, I can get this tape into my iPod and pick up the rest of the series.

First of all, let me say that ordering from Lybrary.com was easy.  Believe it or not, you can even still use a check or money order (they send you an email with the download link once your payment arrives).  Of course, they take plastic and PayPal too!

Now, the material itself:  Webster has solid cold reading advice.  He teaches by example, opening with a cold reading of the listener!  His Australian accent makes for pleasant listening (and although the sound quality is not up to modern digital standards, they are not bad).  He is reassuring in a way that makes you feel quite confident in your ability to use the skills he is teaching.

This material is not, I am sure, the be all and end all guide to cold reading.  I am hardly an expert.  It is, though, a very easy to follow introduction and only the first in several volumes Webster recorded (there are four in all, I believe).  I have used cold reading several many times over the years thanks to this cassette and plan on acquiring the rest of his work.  If you are not sure if cold reading is right for you, the $7 investment in side one should be enough to give you an indication without breaking the bank. 

[McAig]

Richard Webster certainly gets a huge thumbs up from respected names and forum people. I've only read his 'Entertaining Mentalism' booklet, and I was surprised it was very down to earth and accessible, I'd been expecting something much more high-falutin' as he came so highly recommended. But as he is highly thought of, obviously what he says is good advice, even if it didn't fit my preconceptions of what it would be.