David Kwong
- Mentalist,
- New York Times Crossword Constructor
David Kwong Speaker Biography
David Kwong is no ordinary magician. He’s a New York Times crossword writer (a cruciverbalist), main stage TED speaker, Harvard grad, Broadway star/producer, and a consultant on blockbuster films like Now You See Me. His one-man show, The Enigmatist, sold-out its 2019 run in New York City.
Kwong’s debut book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion (Harper Business) draws upon his diverse body of work to reveal how the principles of illusion can be used to gain an edge on the competition. With easy charm and mind-bending tricks, Kwong shows us how to command attention, sway opinions, and sell ideas.
On stage, Kwong combines his unmatched knowledge of illusions with a showman’s command of the audience. But he’s more than an entertainer, with keynotes that fuse his seven principles with observable (and yes, entertaining) demonstrations. His insights on “Free Will Architecture”—easing others towards selecting something you proposed yourself—are fascinating to hear about, but even better to observe in action. Genuine, spontaneous, effortlessly deft—Kwong has been called “ridiculously engaging”—and that has less to do with illusion than natural charm. He demonstrates how to bridge the gap between perception and reality to increase our powers of persuasion and influence—in relationships, business, and beyond.
In addition, recently Kwong debuted a brand new stage show, The Enigmatist, with Baseline Theatrical (Hamilton) and one of the production designers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. He is the puzzle and secret code consultant for the hit NBC show Blindspot. Kwong was the head magic consultant on the 2013 film Now You See Me, teaching magic to Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo, and Woody Harrelson.
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Speech Topics
Spellbound: The Principles of Illusions
Despite astounding CEOs, TED Talk audiences, and thousands of other hyper-rational people and making them see, believe, and even remember what David wants them to, David doesn’t pretend to have super power in any way.
As he outlines in his book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion, he believes that all magic is science. It’s the science of fooling your brain. Illusion is an ancient art that centers on control,, and understanding the fundamental principles of illusion will lead to more command and control in both life and work. Successful leader, from Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Ted Turner to President Obama, Megyn Kelly, and Jeff Bezos are masters of control and command who understand how to sway opinions and achieve goals.
-Bridge the gap between perception and reality to help increase your own powers of persuasion and influence.
-Learn the seven fundamental principles of illusion—rules anyone can learn to master.
-Discover a different way to sell your idea, product, or skills, and make your best shot better than everyone else’s.
Mentalist vs. The Machine
We live in a world where with one click of a button, generative AI can create an elaborate image, a persuasive term paper, or a complex melody.
In his latest talk and performance hybrid, David Kwong poses the following question: Despite our modern technological advancements, is there still room for wonder? Can we still experience awe and mind-blowing moments in the modern age of AI? … His answer is a resounding yes! In fact, David believes we can experience more wonder because of our current technology. And he has a brand-new show, Mentalist vs. The Machine, to illustrate this.
-Foster a culture of creative thinking
-Identify a sense of wonder
-Embrace a future of innovation and possibility with artificial intelligence
David is leading his field with the integration of AI into magic. Recently in Davos, Switzerland, David spoke about the relationship of technology to wonder. His talk culminated with a ChatGPT illusion with CEO of Open AI, Sam Altman. In Mentalist vs. The Machine, David demonstrates wondrous digital miracles through tricks involving ChatGPT, Alexa, Wikipedia, and iPhones. The show culminates with David pitting his brain against The Machine’s, ultimately illustrating the power of human intellect and creativity.
Creating Order Out of Chaos: Taking Control of Digital Disorder
In today’s modern world, we are bombarded with incessant new information and data. We’re constantly scrolling and updating news feeds; we’re sifting through a never-ending barrage of posts and emails. In this presentation, David demonstrates, through feats of magic and practical insight, how to:
-Organize vast amounts of data in your brain
-See the world through the eyes of a magician, puzzle designer, and producer
-Synthesize disparate bits of information into a holistic lifestyle
-David illustrates how to take control of digital disorder in the way that only a New York Times crossword constructor and cerebral magician can do.
Smart Entertainment
David Kwong dazzles audiences with boundary-defying (and mind-bending) puzzles and sleight of hand. But make no mistake: no ladies will be sawn in half. Kwong is one of the most innovative, virtuosic, and smart illusionists alive. As a New York Times crossword puzzle constructor and go-to expert on illusion for major Hollywood blockbusters (Now You See Me, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, The Imitation Game), Kwong offers his signature style of thought-provoking entertainment to mesmerize even the most jaded spectators. In other words, at the forefront of the ‘alternative magic scene,’ Kwong’s making magic really, really cool. These ideal performances for organizations looking for something lighter than an average keynote, yet still charged with intelligence, humor, and the fundamental elements of storytelling.
-The Enigmatist
-Solving Together: A Puzzle Hunt
-Inside the Box
