Have you ever met someone who just seems to have that magic touch? Everything they do seems to turn to gold, and they have a Midas-like ability to succeed in every endeavor they undertake. It's almost as if they have some kind of secret power or special connection with the universe. These individuals possess an innate ability to make things happen. They have a unique combination of skills, talents, and characteristics that set them apart from the rest. They exude confidence, charisma, and a positive mindset that attracts success like a magnet. One of the most striking qualities of those with the magic touch is their unwavering belief in themselves and their abilities.
Then the movie was released. Great reviews, great box office. Yet, Goldman was confused by one thing: everyone kept talking about how much they loved the opening scene. They said it was hilarious, brilliant, and unforgettable. They said it was a magic moment.
While Harper was being filmed, Goldman got a desperate last-minute call from the producer, who had just realized he needed a scene to run under the opening credits. Find out who it is while learning more about Byrd s career as a literary agent and his work at UTA, a leading talent agency that represents some of the most prominent names in the entertainment and media industries.
One of the most striking qualities of those with the magic touch is their unwavering belief in themselves and their abilities. They have a deep-rooted self-confidence that allows them to take risks and push through challenges with unwavering determination. They understand that failure is simply a stepping stone on the path to success and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Magic Moments
A magic moment can create a special and unique bond between you and the other person. In a podcast, if a magic moment is big enough, it will generate buzz and spike interest in what you’re doing. And if it happens in a video interview, the right magic moment can go viral and raise your profile as well as your platform. That’s why I believe magic moments are the ultimate when it comes to providing a “good listen.” And the best thing about them is that there is so little downside to going for them and so much upside if you end up creating one.
With that in mind, let’s dig into magic moments—what they’re all about and how we can create the conditions for making them happen.
William Goldman, Paul Newman, and Bad Coffee
You may not know the name William Goldman, but he was one of Hollywood’s most famous screenwriters, winning two Oscars, one for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and one for All the President’s Men. He also wrote a bunch of other classics, such as The Princess Bride, Marathon Man, and Misery. All these movies are filled with magic moments, but it took some time before Goldman truly understood their power. To be exact, it took until his second produced screenplay, which was for the Paul Newman detective flick, Harper.
And it almost didn’t happen.
While Harper was being filmed, Goldman got a desperate last-minute call from the producer, who had just realized he needed a scene to run under the opening credits. (This was back when there were opening credits in movies.) So Goldman quickly typed up (this was also back when there were typewriters) a scene of Newman getting up in the morning and getting ready for the day. It didn’t seem like anything special to him, but it would serve its purpose of giving the audience something to look at while the credits went by.
Then the movie was released. Great reviews, great box office. Yet, Goldman was confused by one thing: everyone kept talking about how much they loved the opening scene. They said it was hilarious, brilliant, and unforgettable. They said it was a magic moment.
What did Goldman do that was so amazing? He had Newman make coffee with instant coffee powder and hot water from the bathroom sink. That’s it. But that simple action revealed so much about Newman’s character: he was cheap, lazy, and cynical. He didn’t care about quality or taste. He just wanted to get his caffeine fix and get on with his day.
Goldman realized that he had stumbled upon a powerful technique: using small details to create big impressions. He had shown, rather than told, who Newman was. He made the audience laugh and relate to him. Not only that, but he had created a magic moment.
You can watch the opening of Harper below.
How to Create Your Own Magic Moments
You may not be a Hollywood screenwriter, but you can still use the same principle of creating magic moments in your own communication. Whether you are writing an essay, giving a speech, or recording a podcast, you can use small details to create big impressions on your audience.
Here are 4 tips (not 3) on how to do that:
- Be passionate: Showing that you are invested in what you are saying or doing is the first step in producing magical moments. Your community will be more engaged if they can sense your enthusiasm for the subject.
- Be specific: The second step is to support your arguments with concrete examples, anecdotes, or facts. Your message becomes more compelling, believable, and remembered when it is specific.
- Being authentic and truthful with your audience is the third step. Avoid attempting to pass for someone you are not or saying things you don't believe. Being sincere fosters rapport and trust with your audience.
- Being authentic and allowing your personality to shine through is the fourth phase. Be confident in expressing your humor, feelings, and opinions.
By following these steps, you can create magic moments that will captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression on them. You can make them laugh, cry, think, or act. You can make them remember you and what you said or did. Magic moments are not easy to create, but they are worth trying for.
This week, on #LinkedInPresents The Forbes Books Podcast, I stumbled into a magic moment with my guest, Byrd Leavell, the co-head of publishing at United Talent Agency.
While talking about the London Book Fair, one of Europe's most prestigious book-publishing trade events, Byrd revealed that one of the biggest stars on the planet is thinking about writing an autobiography. Find out who it is while learning more about Byrd's career as a literary agent and his work at UTA, a leading talent agency that represents some of the most prominent names in the entertainment and media industries.
You can subscribe to the Forbes Books Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and Google.
Connect with me on Twitter, Instagram, and (of course) LinkedIn.
My book, Good Listen: Creating Memorable Moments in Business and in Life, is available now at all your favorite bookstores.
In addition to their self-belief, individuals with the magic touch possess exceptional problem-solving skills. They have a knack for finding solutions to complex issues and tackling challenges head-on. They approach problems with a creative mindset, thinking outside the box and exploring all possibilities. This ability to think critically and innovatively gives them a competitive edge in any situation. Furthermore, these individuals have an innate sense of intuition. They can read people and situations with remarkable accuracy, allowing them to make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. They have a sixth sense for sniffing out potential success and are not afraid to seize the moment when it presents itself. Lastly, those with the magic touch have an incredible work ethic. They understand that success does not come easily and are willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve their goals. They are persistent and diligent, never giving up in the face of adversity. Their relentless pursuit of success sets them apart from others and propels them to new heights. In conclusion, individuals with the magic touch possess a unique combination of qualities that enable them to achieve extraordinary success. Their unwavering self-belief, exceptional problem-solving skills, intuitive nature, and incredible work ethic make them stand out from the crowd. While we may not all be blessed with the magic touch, we can certainly learn from these individuals and incorporate some of their traits into our own lives. With the right mindset and a dash of determination, who knows what kind of magic we can create?.
Reviews for "The Magic Touch in Wellness: Cultivating a Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle"
1. Jessica - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "You got that magic touch". The vocals were bland and lacked emotion, and the production felt cheap and outdated. The lyrics were clichéd and unoriginal, making it difficult to connect with the song on any level. Overall, it just felt like a forgettable and uninspired track.
2. Michael - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "You got that magic touch" based on the catchy title, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The melody was repetitive and didn't offer any surprises, and the chorus was particularly underwhelming. The song lacked depth and felt like a generic pop tune that I've heard a million times before. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable listening experience.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "You got that magic touch" didn't leave a lasting impression on me. The production was overdone, with too many unnecessary layers and effects that distracted from the core melody. The lyrics were shallow and didn't offer any thought-provoking or relatable content. Overall, it felt like a forgettable and formulaic pop song that didn't stand out from the crowd. I'll be moving on to other artists who can deliver something more substantial.