"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 learn: The secret word that Harvard psychologists discovered is the key to unlocking humanmotivation - The one word that several surprising studies have found is literally influencing the major decisions in your life - The number one mistake that managers make during 1-on-1's, and the one simple word that can fix it all - What Dale Carnegie dubbed "the sweetest sound in any language" - How one tiny word can instantly change someone's mind for the better - How the infamous "But Eraser" works and why so many people mess itup - The REAL magic behind the word "thanks" - And much more! "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 “Whereas most communication advice is concerned with what to say or even how to say it, MAGIC WORDS places the focus where it belongs: on the other person. Tim David offers keen insight into how to better connect with others in business and in life.” —Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take Tim David was a professional magician for eight years, giving more than 300 live performances per year. Now Tim is focused on helping sales professionals, managers and leaders, negotiators, and law enforcement become more effective and persuasive communicators. His clients include 3M, Bayer, Verizon, Citizen's Bank, Travelers, Burger King, and many others. Visit him at TimDavidSpeaks.com and on Twitter @timdavidmagic. INTRODUCTION There is a problem we find in our governments, in our schools, and in our families. It affects every country in the world and every citizen in them. We invest years of our lives and billions of dollars in an attempt to solve it. Big companies battle it. Nonprofits dread it. Entrepreneurs study solutions to it. In fact, it’s taunting me right now as you read this. It’s big. It’s everywhere. And I don’t see it going away on its own anytime soon. HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF IT . . .    • Teachers can’t get their students to do their homework.    • Managers can’t get their team members to work harder or more efficiently.    • Interrogators can’t get their subjects to speak the truth.    • Salespeople can’t get their prospects to buy more products.    • Doctors can’t get their patients to comply with treatment plans.    • Parents can’t get their kids to behave.    • Entrepreneurs can’t get investors to buy in to their vision.    • Nonprofit organizations can’t get people to donate to a cause.    • Poker players can’t get their competition to bet big.    • Religious leaders can’t get people to convert.    • Negotiators can’t get their opponents to make concessions. The biggest problem in the world? Not being able to get people to do stuff. Solve this problem and you can solve anything. If more parents could motivate their children and effectively lead them into adulthood, if more teachers could inspire and engage their students, if more doctors could influence their patients toward greater health, then this world would be a better place. To do anything of any significance on this planet, you need an army. If you want to create lasting change or do “real and permanent good,” as Andrew Carnegie espoused, then you need to motivate a movement. I don’t care if you want to start a business, or a nonprofit organization, or a family. It doesn’t matter if you want to make a movie, write a book, or go to Mars. You can’t do it alone. It’s pretty hard to be a leader if no one is following. If you want to move mountains, then you need to be able to move people. THE STANDARD SOLUTIONS Most people try to motivate others by begging, bribing, and reasoning them to death. When that doesn’t work, they get desperate and start nagging, manipulating, or deceiving to get the results they want. They believe that “getting to yes” is the only goal of their communication. In reality, that’s not good enough. Not only do we want people to say “yes” to us, but we want them to follow through and DO what they promised. This is a book about words