Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way book cover

Magic Words

What to Say to Get Your Way

Tim David
3.91 (351 Reviews)

Resumen de Magic Words

Discover the seven words that Harvard research proves can instantly transform your influence. "Magic Words" reveals psychological triggers behind "because," "name," and five other verbal keys that boost persuasion by 50% in business and relationships. A communication game-changer hiding in plain sight.

Temas clave en Magic Words

  • persuasive language patterns
  • human connection science
  • internal motivation triggers
  • empathy-based influence
  • verbal rapport building

Citas de Magic Words

  • The first magic word is your prospect's name.

  • The second magic word is 'because.'

  • The third magic word is 'if.'

  • The fourth magic word is 'but'.

Personajes en Magic Words

  • Tim DavidAuthor, former magician, and communication expert
  • Sara KonrathSocial psychologist researching empathy trends
  • Paul EkmanEmotion researcher studying facial expressions

Sobre el Autor

Sobre el autor de Magic Words

Tim David, author of Magic Words: The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words that Motivate, Engage, and Influence, is a renowned communication strategist and former professional magician who specializes in the psychology of human connection. His work merges behavioral science with practical tactics to help leaders and sales professionals master influence, persuasion, and meaningful engagement.

A prolific author, David also penned FLIP: The Four Levels of Influencing People and The 7-Day Digital Diet, which explore modern challenges in productivity and interpersonal dynamics. With over a decade of global speaking engagements and corporate training programs, his frameworks are utilized by Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial teams alike.

Known for blending storytelling with actionable strategies, David’s insights have been featured in major business publications and industry podcasts. Magic Words has become a staple in leadership development curricula, translated into 12 languages and endorsed by executives at Google and Microsoft.

David’s unique journey—from stage magician to communication authority—fuels his mission to combat digital-age disconnection through scientifically grounded dialogue tools.

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Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre Este Libro

Magic Words reveals seven psychologically powerful words—like "because," "name," and "thanks"—that enhance persuasion, motivation, and influence in business and life. Drawing from Harvard research, call center studies, and Tim David’s experience as a magician, the book explains how subtle language shifts can nudge decisions, calm conflicts, and build connections.

Managers, sales professionals, parents, and leaders seeking to improve communication will benefit. The book offers actionable scripts for motivating teams, resolving disputes, and fostering trust, backed by neuroscience and real-world examples.

Yes—readers praise its blend of scientific rigor (e.g., Harvard’s motivation studies) and practical advice, like using "because" to justify requests or "but" to reframe criticisms. The concise, story-driven format makes complex psychology accessible.

The seven words are:

  • Because (triggers reasoning)
  • Name (personalizes interactions)
  • But (reframes negatives)
  • Thanks (genuine appreciation)
  • Yes (builds agreement)
  • Help (encourages collaboration)
  • You (shifts focus to others)

Harvard research cited in the book shows “because” activates the brain’s reward center by providing logical justification, even if the reason is obvious. For example, “Submit this report by Friday because it impacts our Q4 goals” boosts compliance.

Repeating a person’s name (e.g., “John, this proposal aligns with your priorities”) creates subconscious rapport, as Dale Carnegie noted. Overuse backfires, but strategic placement signals respect and attentiveness.

The “But Eraser” technique replaces confrontational language. Instead of “Your work is good, but you missed the deadline,” say “You missed the deadline, but your work is excellent.” This softens criticism while maintaining honesty.

“Thanks” feels more casual and sincere in informal settings, reducing perceived transactional intent. A study of gratitude expressions found “thanks” increased likability by 21% compared to formal alternatives.

Parents can use “help” to foster responsibility (“Can you help me set the table?”) or “you” to validate emotions (“You seem upset—want to talk?”). These words reduce defiance by appealing to autonomy.

The book equips professionals to negotiate raises (“This adjustment aligns with my contributions because…”), resolve conflicts (“I understand your concern—but here’s another angle…”), and lead teams using intrinsic motivation.

Magicians master audience perspective—practicing “angles” to control visibility and engagement. Similarly, Magic Words teaches communicators to anticipate how listeners interpret phrases, avoiding misinterpretations.

Over-reliance on scripts without adapting to context. For example, forcing “because” into every request feels manipulative. The book emphasizes observing reactions and adjusting language organically.

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Magic Words no es solo un libro — es una clase magistral en Communication skill. Para ayudarte a absorber sus lecciones de la manera que mejor te funcione, ofrecemos cinco modos de aprendizaje únicos. Ya seas un pensador profundo, un aprendiz rápido o un amante de las historias, hay un modo diseñado para tu estilo.

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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

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