One of the very first tricks I ever learned was a "Do As I Do" routine ("The Mirror" from Secrets of Alkazar). I've like the premise ever since. But as I got older, I found that most routines had procedures that were confusing to the person helping you.

Wayne Dobson has solved this problem for me. Not only is the routine straight-forward, it's very funny.

Echo would more correctly be called a "Do As I Say" routine. The bottom line is that someone from the audience appears to do all the work. You turn them into an instant magician without any pre-show work or secret on-stage queuing. They basically repeat what you say and follow your instructions.

I think what I liked most about this effect is the method. If you're a magician and don't know how it's done, it will most likely fool the pants off you. It's devious in its construction and requires no sleight-of-hand.

Packs small. Plays big. Lots of laughs. Easy to do. Baffling. What more do you need to know?