David Kwong

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.

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.

Despite astounding CEOs, TED Talk audiences, and thousands of other hyper-rational people and making them see, believe, and even remember what David Kwong wants them to, David doesn’t pretend to have super powers 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 leaders—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.

Magic does not have to be about deceiving people, but rather getting ahead of the competition. David explains this principle in an interview with PBS, “If you’re in a job interview, why not have seven different copies of your resume?” You can then present the resume that will be best received by your interviewer based on how the conversation plays out. “That’s no different than a magician and playing cards,” David says.

Key Takeaways:

• 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.

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 Kwong 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.

People are at their most creative when they innovate within a given set of boundaries. How does one tell a clever story while obeying the construction rules of a crossword puzzle (e.g. rotational symmetry, word count), the three-act structure of a screenplay, or the sensitive angles of a stage illusion? We are at our most creative when we design a new form for something familiar, and subsequently express it in a novel and compelling way. David will demonstrate some of his groundbreaking puzzles and illusions by way of inspiring a new method of problem solving.

The complex relationship between boundaries and productivity

Limitations inspire innovation. David Kwong, New York Times crossword constructor and master Illusionist, explains how constraints give us the freedom to create. Kwong demonstrates how to communicate engaging stories through:

• The parameters of crossword puzzle construction
• The sensitive angles of a stage illusion
• Or the three act-structure of a screenplay

Inspire your audience with a new method of problem solving through David’s groundbreaking puzzles and illusions.