To be successful at their craft, magicians must possess the well-honed technical skills to pull off their mystifying tricks and clever sleights of hand. But as magician Steve Cohen observes, they must also be "masters at attracting interest, holding attention, and leaving audiences with fond memories of their time together" — skills that everyone can use to persuade audiences, charm dates, own a room, and influence others.

Steve, also known as the Millionaires' Magician, is the author Win the Crowd: Unlock the Secrets of Influence, Charisma, and Showmanship. Today on the show, Steve shares the insights he and his fellow magicians know on everything from taking command of a room to creating a compelling character to making a magical entrance. Steve shares how to build your boldness through "put pocketing," develop "spontaneous resourcefulness," get people wrapped up in the magic of your message by suggesting rather than stating, increase your confidence by having a place for everything and everything in its place, and much more. At the end of our conversation, he shares two of his most interesting tips and explains how to influence people to do what you want by using "layered commands" and the "trailing or."

Resources Related to the Podcast

• Steve on the Late Show with David Letterman
• A look at what the Chamber Magic show is like on Good Day New York
• AoM Article: Command a Room Like a Man
• AoM Podcast #306: What a Magician Can Teach You About Being More Successful
• AoM Podcast #890: Toastmasters, Aristotle, and the Essential Art of Rhetoric
• AoM Article: A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place
• What's the Deal With Mickey Mouse's Ears?

Connect With Steve Cohen

• Chamber Magic website