Short note
Will the mentalist
get round everyone?
The answer in one paragraph
If the length fits the guest list
Usually, yes, as long as the length of the booking fits the number of guests. That's why I ask beforehand how many people are coming. From there we agree how long I stay, or whether it's better to bring two or three mentalists. That normally leaves time for everyone who wants to see it.
Among colleagues
Time to stay with a group
I was talking recently to some fellow mentalists who sometimes have to rush to get round everyone by the end, and don't enjoy it. I rarely have that problem, because we've agreed the length beforehand. I can stay with a group until the moment has landed, and only then move on.
Beforehand
How much time I need
With Walking I reach 40 to 50 guests an hour. With Seated it's 25 to 40, because each group spends 10 to 15 minutes at the table. On paper, eighty guests with Walking would take me about two hours. I like to allow two and a half, to leave some slack. From around a hundred guests it pays to bring more mentalists, and above 150 I'd recommend it. They're regular colleagues who, like me, do this full time.
On the night
What can come up
An evening rarely goes entirely to plan. A speech turns up that wasn't in the running order, or the food comes out earlier than planned. Some guests arrive late or leave early. And sometimes a group is busy with something else, and rightly so: a conversation with a client, or a colleague they haven't seen in years. I don't interrupt anyone who's eating or in the middle of a conversation like that. If someone comes and asks whether they can still see it, I'm happy to make the time.
In closing
How many guests are you expecting?
When you get in touch, tell me how many guests you're expecting and roughly how the evening runs. Then I'll suggest a length, or we'll look at whether a colleague should come along.
Answered briefly
Frequently asked questions
Will every guest see the mentalist?
Usually, yes, as long as the length of the booking fits the number of guests. That's why I ask beforehand how many people are coming. From there we agree how long I stay, or whether it's better to bring two or three mentalists. That normally leaves time for everyone who wants to see it.
How many guests can a mentalist see in an hour?
With Walking I reach 40 to 50 guests an hour. With Seated it's 25 to 40, because each group spends 10 to 15 minutes at the table.
When do you need more than one mentalist?
From around a hundred guests it pays to bring more mentalists, and above 150 I'd recommend it. They're regular colleagues who, like me, do this full time.
