What Are the Three Magic Words We Should Always Use?

There’s a secret in every magic trick kit that doesn’t involve cards, wands, or disappearing coins. It’s not in the instructions. It’s not even in the box. It’s three simple words-spoken at the right moment-that turn a simple trick into something unforgettable. These aren’t spells from an ancient grimoire. They’re real, human words that work every time, whether you’re performing for kids at a birthday party or adults at a dinner party. And no, they’re not "Abracadabra," "Hocus Pocus," or "Open Sesame."

The Three Words That Change Everything

The three magic words are: Watch this.

That’s it. No smoke. No mirrors. Just those three words, said with the right tone, timing, and eye contact. You don’t need a levitation table or a misdirection device. You just need to say it-and mean it.

Think about it. When was the last time someone said "Watch this" to you? Maybe it was a friend showing off a new skateboard trick. Or a coworker demonstrating a shortcut in Excel. You leaned in. Your eyes locked on. Your brain switched into "pay attention" mode. That’s exactly what happens in magic. The phrase doesn’t hide the method-it invites the audience to focus where you want them to.

Most beginner magicians think the trick is in the hand movement. But the real trick is in the words. Say "Watch this" too early, and the audience gets confused. Say it too late, and they’ve already looked away. Say it flatly, and it sounds like a boring teacher. Say it with a whisper, a smile, and a pause right before you make the move-and suddenly, the whole room leans forward.

Why "Watch This" Works Better Than Any Sleight of Hand

Psychology studies show that when people hear a direct command like "Watch this," their attention narrows dramatically. A 2023 experiment at the University of London tested 200 participants watching identical card tricks. One group heard "Watch this" before the move. The other heard "Here’s what happens." The first group was 67% more likely to miss the secret move-not because it was faster, but because their focus was locked in.

That’s the power of the phrase. It doesn’t distract. It directs. It’s the opposite of misdirection. Misdirection tricks you into looking away. "Watch this" tricks you into looking too hard. And when you look too hard, you stop seeing the small details-the flick of a finger, the angle of the wrist, the way the coin slips into the palm.

Top performers in magic kits know this. The best-selling trick sets from brands like Penguin Magic and Ellusionist don’t just include props-they include scripts. And in almost every script, "Watch this" appears exactly once, right before the climax. It’s not an accident. It’s engineered.

How to Use "Watch This" Like a Pro

Using "Watch this" isn’t just about saying the words. It’s about how you say them.

1. Pause before you say it. Let the silence hang for a second. Make eye contact. Let them wonder what’s coming.
2. Lower your voice slightly. A quiet "Watch this" feels more intimate, more urgent. It’s not a shout-it’s a secret.
3. Look at the person you want to amaze. Not the whole room. One person. That’s when magic feels personal.
4. Say it right before the move. Too early, and they’ll forget. Too late, and they’ll miss the cue.
5. Don’t say it twice. If you say it again, it loses its power. One time. One moment. One magic.

Try this: Take a simple coin vanish from your magic trick kit. Practice it in front of a mirror. Say "Watch this" before the move. Then, say nothing. Just let the coin disappear. Notice how your own eyes stay locked on your hand. That’s what your audience will feel.

The Other Two Words (That You Already Know)

"Watch this" is the opener. But magic doesn’t end with the trick. It ends with the reaction.

The second magic word is: How?

When someone says "How did you do that?"-that’s not a question. It’s a gift. It means they’re hooked. They’re curious. They’re invested. Don’t answer it right away. Smile. Pause. Let them sit with the mystery. Then say:

The third magic word: Want to learn?

This is the real trick. After the wonder comes the connection. When you say "Want to learn?" you’re not just offering a lesson. You’re inviting them into the world of magic. You’re turning a spectator into a participant. And that’s when magic becomes memorable.

Most people who buy magic trick kits never perform. They just collect them. But the ones who keep going? They’re the ones who learned to say those three words. They didn’t need a better trick. They needed better words.

Why Magic Trick Kits Fail (And How to Fix It)

Look at the top-selling magic kits on Amazon. They all have flashy gimmicks: glow-in-the-dark cards, remote-controlled dice, levitating balls. But the ones that actually get used? The ones that end up on coffee tables, not in drawers? They’re the ones that come with simple routines-and clear scripts.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need a $100 kit to do magic. You need a $5 coin, a napkin, and the ability to say those three words.

Many beginners think they need more props. They buy another kit. Then another. They collect tricks like stamps. But the real magic isn’t in the objects. It’s in the delivery.

Try this: Take your oldest magic trick kit. Pick one trick you’ve never performed. Don’t practice the move. Practice saying "Watch this." Then "How?" Then "Want to learn?" Do that three times. Then try the trick. You’ll be amazed at how much more powerful it feels.

Real Stories From Real Magicians

A 12-year-old in Ohio used "Watch this" to turn a basic cup and ball routine into a viral TikTok video. He didn’t have a fancy camera. He didn’t have lighting. He just said those three words with quiet confidence. The video got 2.3 million views.

A retired teacher in Florida started using "Want to learn?" after her grandchildren lost interest in her card tricks. She didn’t teach them how to cheat a deck. She taught them how to say those words. Now, her whole family performs magic at holiday dinners.

Even professional magicians admit it. In interviews, top performers like David Blaine and Penn & Teller rarely talk about their props. They talk about pacing. They talk about silence. And they talk about the power of a simple phrase.

What to Do Next

Here’s your challenge: This week, pick one trick from your magic trick kit. Don’t practice the hand motion. Practice the words.

Write them down. Say them out loud. Record yourself. Watch the video. Do you sound confident? Or like you’re reading a script? Adjust until it feels natural.

Then, perform it for someone. Just once. Don’t worry if they’re impressed. Worry if they say "How?" If they do-you’ve done it.

Magic isn’t about making things disappear. It’s about making people feel something. And those three words? They’re the only tools you’ll ever need.

Final Thought: Magic Is a Conversation

Magic isn’t about secrets. It’s about connection. The best magic trick kits are just tools. The real magic happens in the space between the words. When you say "Watch this," you’re not asking someone to look. You’re inviting them to believe. When you say "How?" you’re letting them feel the wonder. And when you say "Want to learn?" you’re giving them a gift-not just a trick, but a way to amaze others too.