100 Magic Words Every Magician Should Know

When a performer says a single phrase that makes the audience gasp, they’re using magic words a set of carefully chosen words that create a sense of wonder, focus attention, or subtly influence perception. Whether you’re on a stage, at a dinner table, or writing a sales email, knowing the right words can turn a simple trick into a memorable experience. Below you’ll find the full list of 100 magic words, grouped by their typical use, plus practical tips on how to weave them into your act.

Why "magic words" matter to a performer

Every magician relies on three core principles: misdirection, suggestion, and storytelling. Misdirection the art of directing the audience’s attention away from the method is amplified when a word cues the shift. Suggestion subtle mental nudges that shape what the audience believes works best with familiar or emotionally charged language. And a strong narrative needs words that paint vivid pictures. Mastering the right vocabulary helps you control the flow without obvious force.

How the 100 words are organized

We’ve divided the list into four categories that reflect where you’ll most often hear them:

• Classic incantations - timeless phrases that sound mystical.
• Stage‑command verbs - action words that cue the audience to look, listen, or react.
• Mentalism triggers - subtle prompts that plant ideas.
• Everyday persuasive words - language that works in sales, coaching, or casual conversation.

1. Classic incantations (30 words)

These are the phrases you hear in movies and on stage that instantly signal "something magical is happening." Use them at the start of a trick or as a climax to heighten drama.

1. Abracadabra
2. Alakazam
3. Presto
4. Shazam
5. Hocus Pocus
6. Open Sesame
7. Sim Sala Bim
8. Expecto Patronum
9. By the Power of Grayskull
10. Wingardium Leviosa
11. Zoop
12. Plop
13. Kazoo
14. Veni Vidi Vici
15. Alakazaam
16. Gadzooks
17. Shiver Me Timbers
18. Oomph
19. Ta-da
20. Voila
21. Voilá
22. Shazam
23. Snap!
24. Bibbidi‑Bobbidi‑Boom
25. Sesame
26. Muk‑Mook
27. Bazinga
28. Zing
29. Kazam
30. Poof

2. Stage‑command verbs (25 words)

These verbs act like triggers. When you say them, the audience instinctively looks or listens. Pair them with a gesture for maximum impact.

• Watch
• Listen
• Focus
• Notice
• Observe
• Look
• See
• Feel
• Remember
• Imagine
• Believe
• Think
• Hold
• Choose
• Pick
• Take
• Count
• Remember
• Notice
• React
• Pause
• Now
• Again
• Again
• Finally

3. Mentalism triggers (20 words)

These words plant an idea without the audience realizing it. Use them in a calm, off‑hand tone so they feel natural.

1. Imagine a red apple
2. Think of a number between 1 and 10
3. Remember the word "forest"
4. Picture a blue sky
5. Feel the temperature rise
6. Consider the scent of coffee
7. Recall a time you felt joy
8. Notice the word "silence"
9. Envision a key
10. Hear the sound of water
11. Think of a movie title
12. Imagine a glowing object
13. Feel the weight of a coin
14. Recall the phrase "once upon a time"
15. Picture a door that opens
16. Sense the texture of silk
17. Think of a bird in flight
18. Remember the sound of laughter
19. Imagine a blank page
20. Feel a warmth spreading

4. Everyday persuasive words (25 words)

Outside of performance, these words influence decisions in sales, coaching, or everyday conversation. They’re the “secret sauce” for any persuasive talk.

• Because
• Free
• New
• Limited
• Proven
• Instant
• Easy
• Secret
• Guarantee
• Now
• You
• Imagine
• Results
• Better
• Save
• Discover
• Expert
• Simple
• Exclusive
• Best
• Limited‑time
• Act
• Join
• Start
• Now

How to embed the words into a routine

Throwing the list at your audience won’t work. Here’s a quick checklist to make each word count:

1. Pick a word that matches the mood of the trick. A solemn incantation works better for a reveal than a goofy "Poof".
2. Pair the word with a physical cue. Say "Watch" while moving a card into view.
3. Keep the phrasing short. A two‑second pause before the word builds anticipation.
4. Use tonal variation. Raise your voice slightly on "Abracadabra" to signal a climax.
5. Reinforce the word with a story. Explain why the word matters, even if it’s a fake mythology.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Even seasoned magicians slip up with language. Spot the traps early:

• Over‑use: Repeating the same incantation in every routine makes it lose impact. Rotate between the 30 classic phrases.
• Incongruent tone: Saying "Free" during a serious mind‑reading act feels out of place. Match the word’s vibe to the routine’s theme.
• Too fast: Dropping a command verb without a pause can confuse the audience. A half‑second gap lets the brain register the cue.
• Unnatural delivery: Reading the list verbatim sounds rehearsed. Embed the word into casual speech.

Practice routine (8‑minute drill)

Run this drill weekly to make the vocabulary second nature:

1. Choose five words from each category.
2. Build a 2‑minute mini‑act that uses one word from each list.
3. Record yourself, focusing on timing and tone.
4. Watch the playback and note moments where the audience’s reaction spikes.
5. Adjust the phrasing, then repeat.

After a few weeks you’ll instinctively know which word to pull for any situation.

Takeaway

The power of magic words isn’t in the letters themselves; it’s in the psychological cue they create. By learning the 100 most effective words and practicing the delivery tips above, you’ll add a hidden lever to every performance.