Spellbound, David Kwong
Spellbound, David Kwong
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Spellbound
Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success

Author: David Kwong

Narrator: Mike Chamberlain

Unabridged: 7 hr 38 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperAudio

Published: 05/09/2017

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

A professional magician and illusionist—the head magic consultant for the hit film Now You See Me—reveals how to bridge the gap between perception and reality to increase your powers of persuasion and influence.David Kwong has astounded corporate CEOs, TED talk audiences, and thousands of other hyper-rational people, making them see, believe, and even remember what he wants them to. Illusion is an ancient art that centers on control: commanding a room, building anticipation, and appearing to work wonders. Illusion works because the human brain is wired to fill the gap between seeing and believing. Successful leaders—like Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, and Ted Turner—are masters of control and command who understand how to sway opinions and achieve goals.In his years of research and practice, David has discovered seven fundamental principles of illusion. With these rules anyone can learn to:Mind the Gap—recognize and employ the perceptual space between your audience’s ability to see and their impulse to believe.Load Up—prepare to amaze your audience.Write the Script—discover the importance of shaping the narrative that surrounds your illusion.Control the Frame—explore the real life value of a magician’s best friend: misdirection.Design Free Choice—command your audience by giving them agency.Employ the Familiar—take secret advantage of habits, patterns, and audience expectations.Conjure an Out—develop backup plans that will keep you one, two, three, or more steps ahead of the competition.With Spellbound you’ll discover a different way to sell your idea, product, or skills, and make your best shot better than everyone else’s.

About David Kwong

David Kwong is a magician and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor. He holds a degree in history from Harvard, where he studied the history of magicians. Kwong was the head magic consultant on the worldwide hit Now You See Me and is the secret code advisor on NBC's Blindspot. Other films he has consulted on include Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation, The Imitation Game, and The Magnificent Seven. A TED Talk favorite, Kwong regularly lectures and performs for companies worldwide. He lives in Los Angeles.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Scott on August 11, 2017

This is a fascinating look behind the scenes at how illusionists think--not their tricks per se, but the principles of how people think that drive their tricks. The explanation of the principles behind illusion are brilliantly written. The application to the rest of life and work is sometimes clear......more

Goodreads review by Yoric on October 31, 2018

I don't know how to explain it, but I find illusion and magic fascinating. Isn't it surprising to reveal the difference between reality and what we perceive? We are not aware of this gap in our everyday's life, just like we get trapped into the illusion of a Magic trick. It's fascinating to see the wor......more

Goodreads review by Alex on December 22, 2020

Fun and easy book that blends the principles from magic with those from psychology and business. The book is full of interesting facts, memos, stories and research findings, as well as pointers on where to start with magic.......more

Goodreads review by Nakul on December 04, 2018

Liked it. Interesting connections drawn to magic and other things in life - especially life.......more

Goodreads review by Daniel on October 07, 2018

Its so hard for me to come up with an opinion on a book. I cant find the words to type. I enjoyed learning about how a magician thinks and learning about the magicians he wrote about in the book.......more