Why Asking for Testimonials Feels Awkward (And Why I Did It Anyway)

Asking for a testimonial has always felt awkward to me. A bit like saying, “Hey, could you please tell everyone how brilliant I am?”

I’ve never liked the idea. After all, when you’re hired to perform at someone’s event, it’s their big day – not yours. They’ve spent weeks, sometimes months, making it perfect. You’re there to help make it memorable, not to stick a camera in their face when the night’s winding down.

But sometimes the moment just feels right.

A Pint and a Perfect Moment

A few months ago, I was performing at a corporate event for The National Bed Federation. The Head of Marketing and Membership, Simon Williams, had booked me. We used to work together years ago when I ran a marketing agency called Wand, so it was lovely to catch up and be part of their big evening.

The show went down brilliantly, lots of laughter, gasps, and the occasional “no way!” (my favourite sound). At the end of the night, Simon bought me a pint. We were both relaxed, chatting about the evening, when I suddenly said, almost without thinking: “Fancy saying a few words on camera?”

He laughed, but agreed immediately. I whipped out my phone, asked a guy standing with us to film, and without hesitation, Simon said:

“Of the magicians I’ve seen, this guy has to be up there with almost the very, very best. Brilliant guy.”

One take. Done. It felt natural. No script, no retakes, no awkwardness. Just two people sharing a quick, genuine moment after a long, successful day. On camera, I simply replied:

“Okay, I’ll give you the money later. It’s been a pleasure, Simon.”

Why This Testimonial Felt Different

I realised the reason asking for testimonials feels uncomfortable is because we often do it for the wrong reason. To promote ourselves.

But when it happens naturally, it becomes something else: a thank you, a reflection, and a little record of what went well.

Simon and his team had worked incredibly hard for weeks leading up to that event. Their clients were there all day and into the night. For me, it was just a small piece of the puzzle, but for them, it was a huge success. Capturing that tiny moment of joy at the end didn’t take anything away from their event. If anything, it added to it.

What I Learned

Since then, I’ve stopped overthinking it. I still won’t plan testimonials into events because that would feel wrong. But if the timing feels right, and the client’s happy to do it, I’ll ask.

Because those spontaneous, honest moments are what people connect with.

They’re not “marketing assets”. They’re memories, and proof that real magic doesn’t just happen on stage.

Got questions? Want help making your next event memorable?

Drop me a message here. I’m always happy to share ideas or recommend the right style of magic for your occasion. (Just don’t ask me to explain how the disappearing signed card works, that one’s staying secret.)

📩 hello@brianstoreymagic.com

📍 Based in Cambridgeshire & London

🔍 Award-winning close-up magician for weddings, parties & corporate events