David Kwong
The Science of Illusion
David Kwong
Keynote Speaker
Magician, Mentalist, Author, New York Times Cruciverbalist
As a mentalist, magician and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor, David Kwong has delighted and confounded audiences worldwide. A TED favorite, Kwong speaks to corporations and associations around the world, demonstrating the principles of illusion and the science of why your brain is fooled. David's Netflix show debuts in May 2026.
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David Kwong's speaking fee: $25K - $40K
David Kwong is a world-class illusionist, TED Talk presenter, and New York Times crossword puzzle constructor. His new Netflix show, The Puzzle Room, premieres May 11th, 2026. His one-man show, The Enigmatist, is a thrilling combination of mentalism, cerebral gymnastics and magic that sold out in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. David’s performances astound audiences of all kinds as he tackles business, psychology, and creativity through the lens of a magician.
David Kwong is a leading expert in crafting entertaining puzzles, codes, and illusions. David was the head magic consultant for the hit movie Now You See Me, and his other credits include The Imitation Game, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and The Afterparty on Apple TV. He is also a veteran crossword puzzle constructor (cruciverbalist) for the New York Times, LA Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
Business, psychology, and magic are synthesized in David Kwong’s Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success (Harper Business, 2017). As a Harvard Alumnus (‘02) and master illusionist, David Kwong’s cerebral approach to magic reveals the principles of influence and control that are utilized by the world’s most successful people. He holds that magic is a science–the science of fooling one’s brain–and that everyone has the capacity to harness its power.
David Kwong has delivered multiple viral TED Talks across his career as a professional speaker. His first TED Talk, Two Nerdy Obsessions Meet, and it’s Magic, has over 1.7 million views on TED.com. His July 2024 TED Talk, Magic and Wonder in the Age of AI, was an instant hit, amassing over 100,000 views in its first 24 hours before being featured as the talk of the day. Kwong’s signature presentation style, a hybrid keynote and performance, perfectly encapsulates the tenets of wonder, science and critical thinking that lie at the heart of David’s work.
As a renowned keynote speaker, corporate entertainer, and host, David Kwong has designed bespoke experiences for leading organizations including Google, Warner Bros., Disney, Electronic Arts, and J.P. Morgan. The Enigmatist, as adapted for corporate audiences, is a top-booked presentation because it can be tailored to any organization’s messaging. Much like his keynote speeches, his performances can be customized to include varying amounts of audience participation, educational content, or purely his signature illusions. He offers not only thought-provoking and entertaining presentations for in-person audiences, but also engaging hybrid and virtual experiences. His virtual programs come with the fun, excitement, and friendly competition of a nationally syndicated game show, hosted live by the charismatic puzzle master himself.
Order his new children’s book How to Fool Your Parents (HarperCollins Children’s, October 2024), already receiving rave reviews from fellow entertainers-turned-children’s authors Neil Patrick Harris and B.J. Novak.
Featured Videos
David Kwong
David Kwong: Mentalist vs. The Machine
David Kwong
Solving Together: A Puzzle Hunt by David Kwong
David Kwong
Two nerdy obsessions meet “” and it’s magic
David Kwong
The Science of Illusion
David Kwong’s Speech Topics
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Works by David Kwong
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