If I'm going to do a routine where I don't want the cards shuffled and I'm asked "Can I shuffle them?" I then switch to a routine that won't be affected by them shuffling the cards. Then I may do the original routine after, as once they've shuffled the cards once, they aren't so botherd about shuffling them again, as their original shuffle had no effect on the outcome of the first routine.
Dave.

David, you hit upon so many important points in your videos. The kind that you won't find in a magic book, download, or YouTube "tutorial." When I go shopping, I often ask a clerk or cashier or other employee if I can try out "a new magic trick I'm trying to learn so I can perform it for my girlfriend on her upcoming birthday." Rarely do they reject you when you appeal to them humbly to "help you.." I'm a professional but I try to seize as many opportunities as I can to perform for different people. It helps immensely!

On a podcast Wayne Goodman spoke about how he was table hopping and a guy asked to shuffle his deck. Wayne gave the guy the deck, and to the gasps of astonishment from the other people, the guy threw the deck over his shoulder. With cards all on the floor, Wayne maintains his professionalism and 'pulls another deck of cards out of nowhere '. This floored the guy, and Wayne did a trick that blew the guy away even more. I think the guy apologized, but Wayne's lesson was to always have another deck of cards😉

Sometimes spectators do the wildest stuff 😂 often it's a matter of explaining it better. But sometimes, even though the instructions are clear, people decide to ignore that and still do whatever they want. Always be ready. Always have a plan B. And plan C 😅

Good video. The only thing worse then them forgetting their card is them thinking they had another card that you know they didn't pick lol.

You are so right. After years working in software development, I try to anticipate anything that end-users might do "wrong." But they still manage to surprise me, which is why we do "usability studies."
And as a former educator, I also see parallels with classroom management. Students can be very creative, and not always in the most helpful ways. 🙂

Magic is like Scouts.... Be Prepared😀

Just a tip for when someone asks to shuffle. If I don't want them to shuffle I'll say ' Oh I used to ask people to shuffle the deck but last time I gave the cards to someone to shuffle they did this' and I do a Triumph showing the cards being turned upside down etc etc and say 'and he handed me back the cards all messed up' and then I 'magically' restore the deck to all cards the correct way up. The deck is in the same order and I've made a good excuse why I'm not handing out the cards to be shuffled, while doing a trick. Works for me. Maybe help someone else.

I'm from South Africa and I do alot of card magic and most card routines come with patter but sometimes my spectators don't speak English very well so I have to change the patter into my home language and that helped me with being a fluid magician not having to always stick to the program of a routine 😅

Great points we should all ponder. Thank you so much, David.
I've had the "grabbers." The "hecklers." The people who try to take over and run your magic trick for you.
My best advice is to concentrate on the people who really are excited about seeing a trick. After awhile, you can kinda feel out the ones who want to be entertained and the ones who want to challenge you.
Also, I tend to perform fullproof tricks. At least as fullproof as can be. Where the trick can withstand unexpected spectators.
Also, give clear, precise instructions. Especially in a multi-phase routine, to cut down on the unexpected.
And have at least one or two people to practice for that will give you honest feedback on your performance.
Mostly, have fun entertaining people. They feel your energy. Include, them in the fun.
This is long, and I apologize. These are just my tips and thoughts.
As always, take care. 😊

If someone wants to shuffle the deck go to plan B. Let them then peek the bottom card and follow through with using the key card to find there card. 😊

Further to my previous comment David, where the spectator wants to shuffle the cards, it helps me being from England!! Ok.....before you think I've lost all semblance of sanity, I shall explain! About the only people who use or know Bicycle  cards in England are magicians. Most other people don't really care as long as there are 52 and readable. Handling doesn't come into it. So....on occasions when someone has asked to shuffle I say "Er, I'd rather you didn't as I have these cards sent over from America and I have to be careful with them so they last as long as possible." I then offer to shuffle the cards as many times as they like until they are happy.  Then you can do numerous false shuffles and cuts. And my proof is on the Tuc case. "Made by USPCC in America". That has worked for me a number of times! 😂😂. I first got the idea while doing the routine "What happens in Vegas". It says on the Tuc case "A souvenir of Las Vegas". I tell people that a friend brought them back for me from his holiday in Vegas! So, they are pretty special.
Dave.

Take an improv class, that's my best advice

I believe That's where Outs come into play 🤔😏💁‍♂️🎩🪄🐇🃏🙊🙉🙈

Absolutely you don't know me very well. Lol

Thuis is why I say audience management is a myth. Spectators are unpredictable. They sometimes do what they want. I rarely hand a gaffed deck to a spectator, even though they say in the tutorials spectators CAN shuffle the deck. The spectator will not shuffle the "way they are supposed to", then they see the gaff. You are correct that they aren't trying to screw up the trick, they're being people. Always have a backup plan. And, a good backup plan for theb tossed out deck when they think thye see another card, is to use an invisible deck and an out.