My magic moments I have had many magic moments in my life, those special times when everything seems to come together perfectly and I feel a deep sense of joy and wonder. These moments are rare and fleeting, but they leave a lasting impact on my soul. One of my most cherished magic moments occurred when I was on a hiking trip in the mountains. As I reached the summit and looked out at the breathtaking view below, I felt a profound connection to nature and a sense of awe at the beauty of the world. The stillness of the forest, the crispness of the air, and the majesty of the mountains all combined to create a magical experience that I will never forget. Another magic moment that stands out in my memory is the day I received my college acceptance letter.
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.
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. Once you believe you have established a strong connection with your audience and have started to rekindle common experiences from their past, capture the moment to take it to the next level.
Another magic moment that stands out in my memory is the day I received my college acceptance letter. After years of hard work and uncertainty, I finally received confirmation that I had been accepted into my dream school. The overwhelming sense of relief and elation that washed over me in that moment was pure magic.
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.
When a speaker is on the platform, it’s a good idea to seek opportunities to include a spontaneous magical moment. Those moments serve as a reminder that we are all connected emotionally. Scripted or random, it doesn’t matter. Some of the best that immediately come to mind are the unexpected. Although some may have sounded spur of the moment, we forever associate that unforgettable moment with the speaker. Long after that speaker has completed their presentation, their words will continue to echo if they inspire us to think, feel or do something differently for the rest of our lives.
It was as if all of my dreams and aspirations had suddenly become within reach, and I felt an indescribable sense of possibility and excitement for the future. One of the simplest yet most magical moments in my life was the day I met my best friend. We were brought together by chance, but from the moment we met, it was as if we had known each other for a lifetime. The instant connection we shared and the deep bond that quickly formed between us was nothing short of magical. Our friendship has brought so much joy and laughter into my life, and I am forever grateful for that magical moment that brought us together. Finally, one of the most magical moments in my life was the day I got engaged. As my partner got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with them, time seemed to stand still. All the love and happiness that I felt in that moment was overwhelming, and I knew deep in my heart that this was the start of a beautiful journey together. It was a fairy tale moment come to life, and I will forever treasure that magical day. Magic moments are like little miracles that sprinkle our lives with joy and wonder. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they have the power to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Whether it's a breathtaking view, an accomplishment, a new friendship, or a declaration of love, these magic moments remind us of the beauty and magic that can be found in every day. They are the moments that make life truly worth living..
Reviews for "The Healing Power of Laughter: Unraveling the Magic of Humor"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "My Magic Moments". The plot was predictable and filled with cliches. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was also quite simplistic. Overall, the book felt like a bland and uninspiring read. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking story.
2. John - 2 stars - I have to say, "My Magic Moments" didn't live up to my expectations. The story lacked originality and felt like a rehash of similar books I have read before. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest in the storyline. The author's attempt at creating suspense fell flat, and the ending was underwhelming. I was hoping for a more captivating and engaging read, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver.
3. Emily - 3 stars - While "My Magic Moments" had some redeeming qualities, overall, it fell short for me. The characters were not very well-developed, and their actions felt unrealistic at times. The dialogue was also a bit forced and didn't flow naturally. However, I did appreciate the author's descriptive writing style and the magical elements added to the story. It had potential, but it didn't quite reach the level of enjoyment I was hoping for.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I found "My Magic Moments" to be quite forgettable. The plot lacked depth and failed to hold my interest. The romantic storyline felt forced and unbelievable, and the characters' motivations were unclear. The writing style was also subpar, with repetitive descriptions and unnecessary details. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others searching for a captivating read.
5. Jennifer - 1 star - I really struggled to finish "My Magic Moments". The writing was amateurish, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentences. The characters were unlikeable, and their actions were often illogical. The plot was unoriginal and lacked any sort of excitement or suspense. I was constantly bored and couldn't wait for the book to end. Unfortunately, this was a huge disappointment for me, and I would not recommend it to anyone.