by DrTodd » Sep 13th, '06, 08:47
Steven Cohen (2005) Win the Crowd: Unlock the Secrets of Influence, Charisma, and Showmanship, New York: Harper.
This is not a book full of magic tricks, methods, or effects for you to do. Rather, it is a book written by a magician for non-magicians who would like to learn the skills of the magician in making an impression and exuding confidence in a variety of social and business settings.
Steve Cohen is the Millionaires' Magician, which is a branding he adopted years ago. He dresses in only fine suits and began refusing engagements that did not pay enough. He has built his reputation on performing for the well-off and dedicates his book to showing how the performance methods of the magician can be useful for everyday life.
Even though this book is targeted for a non-magical audience, I think it contains a lot of useful anecdotes about seizing those magical moments of coincidence and happenstance and turning them into true miracles, tips on how to present yourself in front of large audiences, and how to move beyond your 'comfort zone' and engage in building your own confidence.
For example, Steve suggests a little game for you to do for a day: carry around a roll of coins (quarters, 10ps, whatever) and try to get rid of them one at a time by dropping them in people's pockets as you go about your daily routine. Greet your friends, colleagues, and work mates, and then leave them a coin. You are not doing anything wrong, but it is a big challenge to what we assume is an appropriate way to behave toward others.
The book is organised around what Steve calls the 'Maxims of Magic' which include: (1) Be Bold, (2) Expect Success, (3) Don't State-Suggest, (4) Practice, Practice, Practice, and (5) Be Prepared. Having performed for over 30 years now, I have to wholeheartedly agree with these maxims.
He then has separate chapters on creating a colourful personality, building confidence, preparing your mind and body, how to command a room, organisation and presentation, charisma, reading people, magic words, misdirection, and winning the crowd.
I have used many of his tips already in both my magical performances and in my academic career, and I think it is great to have some of my own performance instincts reinforced by this book.
If you want to be a performer that commands a room and makes a difference, I highly recommend this book.