Magic Words: The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence

by Tim David

"Elegant and concise." - NY Times "Top 10 Psychology Book of the Year." - Blinkist Fans of Dr. Robert Cialdini, Daniel Pink, and Malcolm Gladwell will enjoy this in-depth look at the often surprising magic behind words. Words inspire. Words influence. Words sell. But why? And how can we use words to better communicate our message so it truly connects?

By exploring seven "magic words", Tim David explains the important psychology behind how what we say affects those around us in business and in life. Full of startling scientific research, humorous anecdotes, and word-for-word scripts, David lays out the secrets of exactly what to say (and what to STOP saying) so our words have the magical effect we desire.

Managers, salespeople, and parents will
"A clear blueprint for building connections and transforming relationships." - David Horsager, bestselling author of The Trust Edge

"We always knew that sticks and stones may break our bones, and now we know exactly what words do to the human brain. Great book!" - Scott Barry Kaufman, Scientific director of the Imagination Institute

Genres: Psychology, Business, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Leadership, Self Help, Communication

160 pages, Hardcover

First published December 2, 2014

Reviews

[Deedi Brown (DeediReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and you're looking for a leadership book to actually say something new and useful, then this is the book for you. I've heard leadership lessons on each of the seven words before, but never like this (especially regarding his ideas on the word "but"). It was a quick read and was not redundant like some leadership books can be. I think I may have the seven words printed into a poster and hang it near my desk!

[Jay French · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw this book, I thought it would be a good place to learn when to use “Shazam” and when to use “Presto”, and if it was polite to use “Abracadabra” in all circumstances. After all, the book is called “Magic Words” and it is written by a magician. But no, this ended up being about my second favorite subject, the impact of the words you use on influencing the way people think. I’ve read quite a few books that cover this topic as part of a larger review of influence, but this book focuses on 7 “words”. There’s actually 6 words and one special “word”, the listener’s name, that is analyzed. The words are all simple, short common words, the longest being “because”, but also including “yes” and “but”. Given just this description, this could have been written as a Hallmark Cards book, with just some advice in adages. But again, no, this book includes research descriptions and describes how the simple word can be used in a powerful way, with examples and anecdotes to illustrate. For example, the author describes the use of the word “but” to, in effect, bury the lead phrase. If you hear “I enjoyed the book but it was too short” you would focus on “it was too short” and may not even register the speaker enjoyed the book. The author suggests a tactic to counter this is to repeat the phrase but rearrange the parts, or in this case “The book was too short but you enjoyed it?” An interesting tactic. I've found myself unintentionally using "but" this way, and I know now why I get a different reaction than I expect. The book has a few other suggestions in a similar vein. I found this very readable and actionable.

[Mark Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on how to better use some of our everyday words: yes, but, if, thanks, names, help, because. I like that the author cites studies and makes you think about your own use of those same words. It's a practical book...very short. Wish it were longer, with 7 more words.

[David Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just thought the book was OK. The author begins with a warning about the seven words and their power to manipulate others. Thru out the book the author quotes and references lots of authors that I am very familiar with (Daniel Pink, Simon Sinek, Flow guy, etc...) The words are Yes, If, but, because, your name, then, and thank you.

[Richard Gombert · Rating 1 out of 5]

More pseudo science gobbledygook.
Is this what all business books are like, or is just the ones that are in the online resources that companies subscribe to?

[Sanjana Om · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human connection is magic!

"Magic Words: The Science and Secrets Behind Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence" by Tim David was such an interesting Saturday read recommended by my Guru Om Swami in His blog "The Secret of great communication" today. It was hard to put down and I was able to finish the book in one go (thanks to my excruciating teeth pain).

Interestingly, Tim David is an ex-magician who has now turned into a keynote speaker. His book, "Magic Words" definitely makes sense in any situation. The book talks about intrinsic human connection as social beings. We have forgotten the art of communication in today's social media connected world and David's "7 magic words" pave the way to get better at your organization, parenting, or any task that you deal on a daily basis. Tim has applied certain "magic principles" on his little daughter too! I found them adorable and pragmatic. There are some elements of gratitude and kindess too, in this book :)

Tim David's writing style has bouts of inspiration from authors such Daniel Pink, Seth Godin, Simon Sinek, Dan Ariely, Dale Carnegie, Viktor Frankl and so on. The book is written in an easy, concise manner and can be read by anyone and everyone! I had several 'aha moments' when I read few instances in the book. So go on, and grab your copy today (though it seems a little overpriced for a light read). I'd give 4/5 for this book :)

[Susan Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't avoid comparing this small self-help tome to Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers (2012), which I chose as a book club selection a bazillion years ago. Magic Words (2014) is the left-brain/business side of Anne Lamott's right-brain/spiritual viewpoint. I understood where Tim David was coming from, but it felt like manipulative bullet points (getting people to do things, although he says you can't), as opposed to *her* organic anecdote-laden personal unfolding. Apples vs. Oranges obviously, but I found myself thinking of the fable about the Wind and the Sun, as to which was more successful in persuading the man to take off his coat; in my opinion, Warmth wins every time... <3
http://read.gov/aesop/143.html

As a self-admitted "Word Woman", I thought this book would be more meaningful to me, but maybe because it was delivered in a didactic manner rather than heart-based, it wasn't. However, his Conclusion was excellent, and supported E.M. Forster's "Only Connect", one of my favorite quotes. The book wasn't my favorite but THANKS (genuinely) and love to SP for the growth opportunity"... <3

And I would be remiss if I did not quote Dar's song lyric, in relation to Chapter/Magic Word #4: "and the only word for love is everybody's name" (happy sigh)

“That’s why most people would agree that while it’s possible to accumulate too much stuff in this world, it is impossible to accumulate too much human connection.”

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book probably had more punch in 2014 when it first came out. Now, it seems a bit quaint, in the era of tribes, factionalism, and deep partisan divides over ridiculous things. The seven words are: Yes, But, Because, If, Help, Thanks and (the other person's name). "Yes, Jane, because you are so awesome, I'm going to ask you for help, but I don't need much time and so if you do help, you'll earn my undying thanks." If David is right, that sentence should be irresistible. I'm going to try it out somewhere soon. But I'm afraid that it's harder than ever to move people to do what you ask, or even to consider doing what you ask. And so you may need more than these 7 words and additional advice sprinkled throughout to make the world do your bidding. Good luck.

[Chayong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blinkist

Yes
No
Name
But
Because
If
Help
Thanks

How it is communicated matters.


Communication is the anchor of any kind of human interaction. So, if you want others to work with you, build a strong connection, and make careful use of the magic words. Elicit “yeses” and avoid “nos,” direct attention with “but,” motivate others with “because” and “if” and show appreciation with “help” and “thanks.” Words are simple, but they have an incredible amount of power when used correctly.

Actionable advice:

Use a “no” when necessary.

We saw before that “no” is counterproductive, but if someone is trying to exploit you, stay firm. Don’t let someone take advantage of you: always use a “no” if you need it.

[Tom Kitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words do have meaning

Choose your words carefully because it can be the difference between success and failure. This book helps you navigate though the different words to use and the best times to use them in conversations. I recommend reading this book more than once because it has some great information that you can learn.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

High value, easy read. Ive read many self improvement/relationship/business books. This principle is nothing new to me. That said it is presented in such an understandable and applicable way. I highly recommend this book for everyone. Undersanding and applying this pricple will improve all areas of life and will help to be a better communicator and influencer.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super useful tiny book about the huge power of certain words. Impressive studies backing up effectiveness of communicating in the suggested ways. Advice from business to parenting and interpersonal relationships. I highly recommend.

[أنوار · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب سلس وجميل المعاني، وضمن نطاق تخصصي
كتاب يصلح لكل من يحب مجال الاتصال والتواصل مع الناس لُغوياً والكلمات السحرية كما وصفها الكاتب: في تقبل الناس وكسب آراءهم 👌🏼 Seven Words That Motivate, Engage, and Influence 📚

[Jonah R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takeaways
- Using powerful words may lead to success
- Use BUT and AND in positioning your words
- It’s how your deliver negative/bad news into positive/good news.
- Look at the bright side. Find solutions instead of blaming and complaining others.

[Steve P. Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making the Magi Happen

A wonderful book filled with insights, tips and stories that could make all of us better people. A delightful read and look forward to more from this author.

[Freeread · Rating 5 out of 5]

คำง่ายๆ 7 คำ ที่ทุกคนรู้กันอยู่แล้ว แต่ไม่ทำ
1.ตอบรับ
2.แต่
3.เพราะ
4.ชื่อคน
5.ถ้า
6.ช่วย
7.ขอบคุณ

[Darya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice set of tools on how to you the words we all know and use every day in a new and compelling way. They seem to be more efficient and influential if you use them with a different approach.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven magic words mentioned in this book yes, but, because, call by name, if, help, and thanks.

[Michael Frohnholzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Refining 7 basic words for effective communications

[Twainy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t think I’m the right audience. It was interesting & engaging. More for sales or leaders

[Aurelija Lapėnaitė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic but nicely written book. Professional magician advice to sale people and negotiators.

[Patricia Makatsaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a non-fiction book, I gave it 5 stars. I learned practical tips on communicating more effectively and persuasively. And I’m actually using them! A must for anyone in sales.

[Shivani Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short book on power of words and what words to use. Communicate with influence.

[Rakefet Cohen Ben-Arye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly magical book! Packed with tricks to increase your influence.

[Michael Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Felt it had practical advice for best practices in communication manipulation

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick/easy read, with helpful information presented in an easy to digest format and relevant anecdotes provided as examples. It was interesting to see which of these I have already used in everyday interactions without even realizing it. And it will be fun to see if/when I can use some of the other tips as well. I read through the book once while starting to take notes, but quickly preferred simply reading it straight through without the interruptions. Therefore, I'll be reading it a second time (to jot down notes), and will likely refer back to it in the future. All of that said, I hesitate to recommend this book because it's one of those books where you don't necessarily want everyone to know its secrets ;)

Thank you to Tim David and to Goodreads for selecting me to receive this book as a goodreads giveaway winner.

[Alex Devero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Communication is the anchor of any kind of human interaction. So, if you want others to work with you, build a strong connection, and make careful use of the magic words. Elicit “yeses” and avoid “nos,” direct attention with “but,” motivate others with “because” and “if” and show appreciation with “help” and “thanks.” Words are simple, but they have an incredible amount of power when used correctly.

[Kittenlittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ในบรรดา 7 คำนั้น ขอบคำว่า "แต่" มากสุด ส่วนใหญ่จะเจอคำว่า "แต่" ในเชิงปฏิเสธที่จะลบล้างคำพูดต่างๆ ที่กล่าวมาก่อนจะเอ่ยคำว่า "แต่" ออกมา ในเล่มนี้บอกถึงวิธีที่ทำให้มันดูนุ่มนวลลง ซึ่งเราสามารถนำไปประยุกต์ใช้เองได้ ดังตัวอย่างในเล่ม ที่คนนึงพูดว่า "ฉันชอบดอกเจอเรเนียมมากเลย" อีกคนตอบมาว่า "ดอกเจอเรเนียมสวยดีนะ แต่ผมชอบดอกเบญจมาศมาตลอด" ถ้าคนหลังเปลี่ยนคำพูดใหม่เป็น "ผมชอบดอกเบญจมาศมาตลอด แต่ดอกเจอเรเนียมก็สวยดีนะ" ความรู้สึกของคู่สนทนาที่ได้ยินมันต่างกันเลยนะ แค่เรียงประโยคใหม่เอง

[Martha White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audio book in my car to and from work. It was inciteful book on 7 magical words we can use in our everyday lives both at work and in our relationships to improve our communications. The author, Tim David, uses humor and anecdotes to explain each of the 7 words. An easy to ipunderstand but helpful guide.

[Maria McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely enjoyable, and has helped me rethink the way I talk to the people I manage, i.e., my kids and myself. Even though the author's background is as a magician who transitioned to the corporate world, his lessons are applicable to all walks of life, and distilled so well that they are easy to grab onto and remember.