This is something I noticed from the season 5 episode where we see Basira again. You know the one where Martin is used as bait that Trevor threatens to kill? 

Well, remember that scene where Trevor’s like ‘don’t talk you’re gonna use some word magic on me don’t do it’ and then like ‘okay fine you can talk just don’t compel me’. (Side note: it’s really funny that Trevor gave in and let Jon talk after like, five seconds of silence. Jon must have been so chatty when they kidnapped him that non-talkative Jon is unsettling.)

But anyway, Jon doesn’t compel him. He doesn’t even Know things about Trevor. But he keeps talking, distracting Trevor, putting him on edge, just talking to him. And it works. Trevor doesn’t hurt Martin, and he’s able to be used as bait. 

I like this scene because Jon doesn’t even use his powers, and he’s still got Trevor trapped. He’s smart enough to keep Trevor distracted. He’s calm and in control of the situation because he can’t be hurt. (HIs calmness probably unsettles Trevor too.) It’s almost scarier than if he had used his powers, that he can do that without them. 

Word magic indeed.